[Rot 911]

No need to make decisions you may regret right now. After all you have 7 more months to think about this.

Unless an emergency arises, DNA tests are rarely performed prior to the birth of the child. I agree with a couple of other posters to this thread that the timing is somewhat suspect. While some women can get pregnant with "one shot" most often it takes a fair bit of work. Of course a 17 year old boy is more than up to the task.

I would try to calmly sit down with your son and discuss the matter. Find out when he first had intercourse with her.

Now for the legal aspects. I believe a 17 year old in California, that has not been emancipated, needs parental consent to get married. This becomes important because if they marry before the child is born, the child is presumed to be his. So try not to hurry any marriage plans along.

If they stay together over the next 7 months, fall madly in love, and have plans for the future, the best thing you can do is be supportive. If not, don't expect to be over for any family celebrations.

If things between them don't work out, you need to have a plan of action. If she is trys to collect any state benefits for the child, she has to name a father. If she names your son, then he will get hit for child support when he turns 18. The better plan of action would be for your son, again when he turns 18, to file a Petition for determination of Paternity. Once paternity is determined, then move forward with deciding custody, child support, visitation, etc.