I was just notified by the state about my obligation to pay child support for an eight year old child that I never new existed. I have mixed feelings about this. Although I am excited to learn of the child, I am nervous that the state will determine an amount for child support and add it up since the child's birth. I understand that if I am the child's father that I would be obligated since that date but since I was never told of the child I feel like my obligation should start when I became aware of the child. I have 10 days to contact the people in charge of dealing with this important matter. Any advice you could give would be very helpful as I am very baffled and unsure of the whole process. Thank you very much.

1. Hire an attorney and demand a DNA test to verify that it is your child.

2. Have your attorney work out visitation and to arrange a time to get the child used to you.

I second Chuck. And I don't think that you would be responsible for past support. The system can be unfair but generally not that much.
I wonder why suddenly she needs support?