Legal information

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A child support action is a civil lawsuit -- just like a suit to recover damages from a car accident. It is begun with legal paperwork that identifies the type and basis for the lawsuit and asks for a court judgment of parentage and for support. The legal paperwork is delivered to the parent in person (by mail with return receipt, if out-of-state). Once delivered, the parent must file a response ("answer") to contest the lawsuit. If no response is filed, a default judgment will be entered which will include a finding of parentage and an order for support. If the response is filed, the lawsuit will proceed with both sides required to exchange evidence and to attempt settlement by agreement. If an agreement is reached, the court will enter it as a judgment. If no settlement is reached, a trial with witnesses and evidence will be presented to the court for it's decision.