u/smokedoutK

I have a certified letter I’m expecting that’s very important. A family member sent it to me on 8/11. With tracking, it gave ETA of 8/14. It got to Birmingham on 8/16 and arrived in HSV that same night. Since then, it now says “Delivery Date Unknown” and last update was “Arrived at Huntsville Distribution Center”. I’m mainly only concerned since this is attempt two at this same letter arriving. The first one was sent over a month ago and disappeared into thin air, apparently. I’m located in 35811. Is there a contact for this “distribution center” ? I’d almost rather find it and pick it up in person.

Me and the Mother of my child separated a few years ago. We dated prior to that. After our first separation, she came to me 1 month prior to the birth of my son and told me it was my child. I dropped everything and got a place to live for us, lived together, you get the picture. We separated, and information surfaced. I had some doubts. Over the course of the next year, I voiced these to her, as respectfully as possible. I told her that I would like to pay for a paternity test, just to rule out my own personal questioning as well as my family’s, and once I have the result I will have absolutely no problem providing and doing everything the child needs. She got very aggressive, told me to go ahead and do so as she knows they are mine. So I said okay, I purchased a reputable test. Whenever I tried to setup a date and time with her to meet (always days to a week in advance to help with schedules) she did not show up or she would make an excuse. Such as “the child was taking a nap and I didn’t want to wake him up to drive”, and others. After she knew I kept a test kit on hand, she avoided bringing the child around me. Anyway, my new partner and I are expecting a child of our own. As soon as my ex got wind of this, I received a notice in the mail that she is seeking child support. It sucks because I’m not the no good father type. I was there ever since she said the child was mine. And I just wanted to clear up everything with paternity to feel sound while continuing providing, trying to keep it out of court.

I live in the state of Alabama. I was present at birth and Signed the certificate and everything the hospital gave me. I spoke to the caseworker and noted that I want to do paternity. But I was also informed that since I signed the certificate and papers at the hospital, I am legally the father until proven otherwise, and the court could technically proceed without paternity. This is where I am scared. She told me “when we take you in the back at court, tell us you want paternity” I don’t know what that means. I’ve never been in a situation like this. I just want to make sure I can get a DNA test. What do I need to do to make this happen ? Once again I have absolutely no issue supporting a child of mine. I just want to be sure it is my child. I have yet to have been served court papers, she filed a few months ago. I just wanted to try to prepare myself the best way I can before it comes time for court, as I don’t know what to expect.

Also, separate concerns I have are in the case the child is confirmed mine and I do start child support. What I might expect paying ? To my knowledge, she lives at home still and is not working. She usually holds a job for a few months at a time and leaves. I myself am 1099. So I don’t know how all of this is calculated. Any insight on that would be appreciated. Thank you.