AboutPaul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D. Expertise I am a licensed attorney and Judge Pro Tempore who has conducted and been involved in hundreds of mediations and thousands of arbitrations. I can answer questions regarding settlement conferences, mediations or arbitrations. I do not give legal advice over the internet and it would be helpful to list your location such as country or state.
Experience I am a licensed attorney, Judge Pro Tempore and adjunct professor.
Experience in the area I have been a licensed attorney since 1989 and a Judge Pro Tempore since 2005. Additionally, I have a masters degree in bioethics and a doctorate of philosophy regarding comparative ethics
Organizations State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of Colorado (inactive)
District of Columbia Bar (inactive)
Federal Bar
Licensed in Arizona District Court
Licensed in Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Licensed in the United States Supreme Court American Bar Association National Board of Trial Advocacy
American Association for Justice Arizona Trial Lawyers Association
American Society for Bioethics and Humanities Kennedy Institute of Ethics National Association of Realtors
Education/Credentials Bachelor of Arts 1985
Juris Doctorate 1989
Master of Arts in Bioethics 2004 Doctorate of Philosphy 2006
Awards and Honors Phi Beta Kappa
Multiple Who's Who
Publications A list of my copyrighted publications and presentations is contained at WWW.EXPERTETHICS.COM
Question QUESTION: Hi,
Im not sure I have directed my question to the right person, so I appologize if I have.
Let me tell you my situation: I just found out that I am pregnant...about a week after my fiance broke up with me. We are still on friendly terms. I am wondering if there are child support laws for the unborn? Paying for doctor bills? help with rent? buying supplies? Im just curious about my options. This all came out of left field. ANY help or advice you can give me would be so appreciated.
Thank you!!
Katie*
ANSWER: Katie,
Nobody on this site can give you a precise answer because you do not list where you live and it would depend on the laws of the state and country where you live.
Usually, medical expenses are the mothers and not that of an unborn fetus so child support does not apply until birth.
I suggest you speak to an attorney in your area. If you cannot afford an attorney, try the local legal aide office or lawschool. Someone would be glad to help.
I wish you the best in your pregnancy and birth experience.
Very truly yours,
Paul D. Friedman, M.A., Ph.D., J.D.
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QUESTION: I live in North Carolina, in the US. Does that change anything? I appreciated you taking your time to asnwer my questions.
Katie*
Answer Katie,
Unfortunately, I am not licensed to practice law in North Carolina. I cannot legally answer your question. You need to find a licensed North Carolina attorney to answer your question.
Thank you for the kind feedback. I wish I could be more assistance but it is not legal or ethical for me to tell you about North Carolina law.