Child support question

[Freyja]

If a man has not known for like 15 years that he has a child, can he be forced to pay child support for the past 15 years?

Does anyone know where I might find a link to the subject?

 

[Freyja]

And NO, it´s not my husband we´re speaking of, lol.

 

[SillyMe]

Well, they can in Alaska. This happened to a friend of mine. Her husband supposedly didn't know the child existed until the woman called looking for support. The child is about 10 years old. Not only does he have to pay it, he has to pay the back support for 10 years. I know in PA you can't go back, but apparently in Alaska you can.

 

[unbroken chain]

I believe you are only liable from the time a court order is in place. I don't think a court could retroactively order support from 15 years ago. Maybe it varies by state, though?

ETA: from above post, I guess that yes, it does vary by state!