Im 17 years of age and just had a baby boy... haven't signed the birth certificate yet because I don't know if its mines 100% yet... once I do and if its mine do I automatically have to pay child support or is it only if the mother makes that decision??

Here is a real party stopper. Your name doesn't have to be on the birth certificate to be liable for child support.

It's the court that decides what the child support is. The mother applies for it and the court is who will impose it.

If it comes to that... make sure you get a DNA test (not just a blood test)to prove its yours first. There are a lot of poor suckers out there that got roped into paying for a kid they didn't father because the mother slept around.

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Originally Posted by gkid87

Im 17 years of age and just had a baby boy...haven't signed the birth certificate yet because i dont know if its mines 100% yet...once i do and if its mine do i automatically have to pay child support or is it only if the mother makes that decision???

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As already pointed out, even if the mother says she doesn't want support, the courts will enforce it if she's receiving any type of welfare.

And you're smart not to sign the BC until you know for sure that the child is yours. If the mother files for child support, you can contest paternity and the court will order a DNA test to determine whether you are the father.

What state are you in? Also you need to file with the courts and assert your rights. DO NOT wait. The reason for asking what state is your parents may be liable for the support until you turn 18.