What the courts don't know, they can't enforce. But it is a good idea to set up child support early, rather than hope he pays it and get burned later. Whether he's able to or not, it's his duty as a father to support his child. It doesn't matter if she "needs" the money or not. The baby needs the money. Even if your cousin doesn't spend the money on diapers or formula, she can put it aside for the child's education. Seeing as she's only 16 though, trust me when I say she needs that money.

I don't think it matters if they're together or not. I think it only matters whether they're married or not.

I'm not sure if the courts will enforce a child support order on a 16 year old or not. They might wait until he turns 18, or might go after his parents instead. I really don't know.

Thanks

he is 18 now. I think they will probably end up married in the long run. I know he will be supporting that child 100% in every way possible. And I understand my cousin does need the money for the child. I think she and he would want him to be able to spend some time with the baby and not work 24/7 just to pay the child support. You know what I mean

Oh trust me hon, I understand. The thing is though, babies need a lot of financial support. If he isn't already, he needs to step up and start working his tail off. No one expects him to work 24 hours a day, but he does need to bring some money in. Child support will take a portion of his checks (it's all based on what he earns, not just some lump amount) so they don't need to worry about that. They'll probably just deduct it from his checks from the get-go.

Like I said before, what the courts don't know they can't enforce. So if they're worried about support orders, just tell them not to visit the courthouse. Although I recommend it, for her sake.

I hope she isn't pregnant. Let us know how it goes.

They're not gonna chase him down for child supprt unless she goes after him. My ex doesn't pay me a lot and I haven't gone to court of anything for it so he only pays what we agree. If split parents can have a decent relationship, then it's up to them to agree on child supprt.