Paying child support isn't really a matter of choice. Each parent is required to comply with the court order(s) in the case.
If there is a court order for child support they will take it directly out of his wages if he has one and he will be prosecuted for contempt of court. Prison will be waiting unless he start paying.
In order to petition for custody or visitation right by the court you have to establish paternity by a DNA test. Then you can obtain a visitation schedule and also start paying child support.
Your start paying child support and do so until the child is 18 years old. see links
No, child support does not start until the child is born. Once the child is born the mother can seek child support and it can be deducted from the father's pay.
Ideally, when the court order states it is to start.
The fact that he has a GED and he's about to become a father are irrelevant, because neither of those qualifies a child for emancipation. But, turning 18 does. Why are you still paying child support if he's 18? Does the order state child support continues during college (you didn't say he's in college, but maybe he plans to start this fall)? If not, petition the court to have it terminated.
If the courts have ordered child support then no. The current custodial parent is responsible for the financials of the child. If the father is meeting the current court orders then he is exempt for paying any other than child support. If the court has ordered the child to live with both parents then an exception could be made by the courts. However, should the child start college after they turn 18 the father is no longer responsible for anything to do with the child.
Regardless, child support continues until age 21. see link
In California child support cannot start until the month AFTER it is requested. In other words you can't go back and ask for support if you left in December but didn't file asking for child support until May. The soonest it would start would be June 1 in that case. This may NOT be the law in your state.
not yet see link below
If the court sentenced you to 320 days for not paying then yes, it is legal. During that time the sum will get bigger so start paying.
If possible for your own interest go to YOUR local child support office and get as much information as you can. If you are financially able - begin paying something. First and foremost find out if the mother has had any assistance from the state - you will be held accountable for paying that money back. Begin being a part of the child's life - key word "CHILD'S" Best advice start at the child support agency they are more than likely going to be more than happy to help you until you have a court order requiring you to pay.