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To: Doohickey
Take this advice for what it's worth (nada) but I would look for an attorney in California. Find a legal association with good reputation and ask for a recommendation. I agree, you want someone with family law experience.

If you find one you want to hire, ask about his track record, what fees and costs he would charge, etc. Know as much as you can before this gets to a courtroom.

But it's also a good idea to inquire on your own to the agency that is pursuing you. Ask them what evidence they have that you are the parent. Do they have a driver's license number, an SSN, license plate, an address of residence? Ask what other names this women may have had. What is her age, weight, hair color, race, etc? Do they have a photo they could fax? Do NOT ask for an address or phone number of the woman as you don't want to hint that you might respond with any threats or violence. You just want information that would help you recall any encounter at all with this person.

If they provide you with details, you can then go about gathering evidence that this person they are looking for cannot be you (bill statements of the time frame in question, tax returns, other official proof of residence). Agree to mail or fax to them any information you think will clear this up but *do not* send any original documents.

Then, if they don't back off, that's when you hire the lawyer and prepare to fight. Be prepared to submit to DNA testing.

And remember, when you are asking how much you can afford for a lawyer, keep in mind how much the family courts could award this woman for the next 13 years to take care of two kids you don't know. His services could be worth a lot of money you *don't* have to pay out.

32 posted on 06/30/2002 11:46:02 AM PDT by Tall_Texan
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To: Tall_Texan
The thing that bothers me about this is that they've gotten my address and SSN, probably from my tax returns. I don't know where the burden of proof lies in this case. You'd think it was with the plaintiff, but apparently I've been found guilty without benefit of a summons.
36 posted on 06/30/2002 11:51:33 AM PDT by Doohickey
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To: Tall_Texan
One should ask for blood types too, of the children and the mother. Some children's blood types could be impossible to produce with the types of yours and the mother's. DNA testing may not be necessary.
40 posted on 06/30/2002 1:19:25 PM PDT by John Jorsett
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