Local Law Firms Home > Child Custody & Support News > Man Ordered to Pay Child Support for Another Man's Child Man Ordered to Pay Child Support for Another Man's Child A Michigan man by the name of Joseph Chemlar was ordered to pay child support for a child that was not his. The man's wife, whom he had recently separated from, had given birth to a baby after separation but before being divorced. Michigan law recognized Chemlar as the legal father of the child despite the man not being the biological father. Chemlar initially found out about the child while in the car talking with his two biological sons. They informed him about the baby to his surprise. The real shocker would occur on the Friday before Father's Day, when Chemlar received a notification from the Court claiming he owed $8,500 in child support, along with an additional undisclosed amount in medical expenses. "My God, this is hilarious," thought Chemlar. "Here's the biggest joke that I think I've ever had played on me transpiring right now," he said. But according to the Court, the situation was not a joke. A spokesman from the Court said that "it doesn't matter who the biological father is," and that "it matters only which person can take the best care of the child financially." According to the spokesman, that man is Chemlar, regardless if the child is his or not. An interesting twist to the case is that the biological father, Rob Recknagel, is not recognized by the state as the father of the child. This means that whether or not he can have any part in the child's life is ultimately up to mother. But before the child was born, he received an email from the mother saying that she was going to raise the child with her husband. It was the first time Recknagel had even heard about her marriage. Recknagel was not permitted to see the child by the mother, despite making numerous attempts. Recknagel said that he would love to have his son in his life, and asserted that he has no problem paying child support. Once the case received media attention, the Court changed its stance on the subject. Chemlar was no longer required to pay the child support, and Recknagel was allowed to see his son for the first time for an hour. The law is often unclear regarding family issues, and having an expert on your side can make all the difference in custody disputes. Contact one a child custody attorney in your area today for more information. Did you know? |