Can I refuse to pay child support until a DNA paternity test has been taken to prove whether or not I am the father?

Yes, but you might not want to. Call a lawyer for sure. You probably have a good idea of how much it costs to raise a child. If you don't, the Department of Agriculture's "Expenditures on Children by Families" report might surprise you. According to this report, the average middle-income family with two kids spends about $10,500 per year on their kids' needs.

If you were ordered to pay child support and the involved couple doesn't want to take a DNA paternity test —a test that can prove whether or not you are the father—you might be wondering if you can refuse to pay until the paternity test is taken. Unfortunately, there aren't many laws that protect men from being held financially accountable for children they're not sure are theirs.

You can ask for a paternity test, but there's no law requiring either party to agree. If your request is denied and you don't pay what you owe, expect your ex-girlfriend or ex-wife to turn to more drastic measures of enforcement. She could sue you for contempt and ask the court to garnish your wages or freeze your bank account until your arrears balance is paid in full.

If she isn't willing to go that far, she could always pull away the carrot she's been dangling in front of you.

If there is any doubt as to whether you are the father or not, you can request a paternity test. After the results come back from the DNA paternity test, if there is still any doubt as to whether you are the father, then you can refuse to pay child support until the issue has been settled.

Ascent Law LLC

8833 S Redwood Rd Ste C

West Jordan UT 84088

(801) 676-5506

https://www.ascentlawfirm.com/paternity-lawyers-in-utah/ 



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