[wvchris81]

I recently found out I may have a 6 1/2 yo daughter. Her mother told me that the child was not mine and then when we separated she married. She was married at the time she gave birth. Her husband is on her birth certificate and has raised her and their six other children their whole life. The mother recently contacted me and told me that the girl may be mine. She asked if I wanted a paternity test and I gladly said yes. Before we got the test done her and her husband decided that it was better if I stayed out of her life. They no longer want the test.I don't want to cause trouble in their family but I can't just walk away from a child that may be mine. After almost seven years and him being established as her father legally I don't know if I have any rights to force the issue or what my options may be. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[IntroducingEmy]

This is a difficult situation. First of all, it's different in every state it seems. Without knowing what state you're in, you could have every right or almost no rights at all. Also keep in mind that you do not want to stress out this child in the middle.

If you do find out you're the father, what will you do with this information? Will you challenge the court for visitation or partial custody? Do you think your daughter will understand or be able to emotionally handle this information? Or will you simply live with the knowledge privately?

[stinawords]

As pointed out we need to know what state you are in. After we have that information you will get plenty of good answers dealing with the laws of paternaty.