Question

1. Martha becomes pregnant. She claims that Michael is the father, but Michael denies it and refuses to

Answer 1

Answer:

Each state has varying depths of domestic law, but all require child support and maintenance whether the couple is married or not.  Both the mother and the father are equally responsible for the child no matter their marital status.  Visitation is also something that would need to be determined.  Here in our state, we have a formula that is used based upon income, debts, etc., to determine what amount the child support should be from the other parent that does not have physical custody.  If both the mother and father have joint physical and legal custody, then both are responsible for maintaining the child's welfare and expenses equally.  If one parent has custody and the other has visitation, then child support is typically required of the parent that has visitation only.  A paternity test would be the first order of business to determine whether Michael is the father.  I am not familiar with any state that mandates marriage, that would be considered slavery which was abolished.  

Explanation: