<p>Very strange, I did not post the link.</p>
<p>Also, get busy looking at schools where his son can get merit aid.</p>
<p>Ursusrursus:</p>
<p>No one can sue you for child support of a child that's not yours.</p>
<p>Your bf's ex-wife can try to get her child support increased because her child more expenses (college). At the same time, your bf (or husband) can try to get the child support he pays to his ex-wife reduced because he has to support another child (yours). If a judge looks at that mix, it may be relevant that his expenses have gone down some because you are paying some of his share. I have no idea exactly how it all come out in the end, except that it seems pretty clear that if you are married the first child will qualify for less financial aid, and thus maybe need more support from his father (your husband). There are lots of other factors, too, including what's going on in the ex-wife's life.</p>
<p>But you, personally -- you will not have to pay a penny of that. The effect on you is that your husband will not be able to save as much money.</p>
<p>As for having a child without being married: Really, there isn't much any legal consequence at all, especially if your bf acknowledges that he is the father when the baby is born. Lots of states used to treat "bastards" -- that's the actual legal term for children born out of wedlock -- differently, but the Supreme Court held that was unconstitutional 30 years ago. </p>
<p>I don't want to tell you not to get married. There are lots of good reasons to get married, if you have the right person and the two of you are having a child together. I think most people believe that it's better for the child if his or her parents are married. But there is no LEGAL reason why you have to get married to protect your child. And there may be financial reasons to delay getting married -- both the issue of your step-son's financial aid, and the fact that you would probably pay a little less income tax as a single mother.</p>
<p>As far as child support is concerned, there is an old maxim: "First in time, first in line." You ask why your child should have no future. But your BF's ex can also legitimately say why should her child's future be jeopardized because your BF decided to have another one, knowing full well his financial situation. You both went into the situation with your eyes open; you could have delayed having a child. Your BF's ex couldn't go back in time and not have one. </p>
<p>That being said, go talk to an accountant or a lawyer who can explain all the particulars of your situation better than a bunch of strangers can. (And I have to disagree with JHS - there are plenty of legal protections given to children of married parents, primarily because there are protections given to each of his/her parents.)</p>
<p>I get the impression that the b/f isn't saving money. His finances are stretched thin. He pays less than half the rent, yet his son stays there part of time. I wonder how the OP and b/f handle the food bill and other utility bills. She definitely needs her own lawyer to protect her and the newborn's rights. A trust can be written for baby's protection. I also think if OP has enough money to buy a house, it should be in her name. If b/f contributes to expenses, he may be eligible for a percentage. Again, a legal document needs to be in force so that OP can sell house, adjust percentage if she is paying for mortgage and repairs, etc.</p>