Dayton Woman Takes Ice Cream Man to Court Over Child Paternity and Expenses

In a dramatic episode of Paternity Court, White v. Flowers, a Dayton, Ohio woman, White, has come to court to prove that a man she claims is the father of her child owes her for back childcare expenses. While White admits to having a brief affair with the ice cream man, Flowers, she insists that he is the father of her child and is seeking compensation for the child’s upbringing, which she has financed alone for years. The case is filled with tension as emotions run high, and both parties are forced to confront the complex consequences of their past actions.

The case begins with White’s testimony, where she explains that she and Flowers had a brief relationship several years ago while he was making his rounds as the local ice cream vendor. She admits that they were not in a serious relationship, but their encounter led to the birth of her child. “It wasn’t planned, but when I found out I was pregnant, I knew I had to take responsibility,” White says, her voice firm. “I’ve raised my child by myself, and I’ve done everything I could to provide for her. But it’s time for Flowers to step up. He’s been absent for too long, and I need him to take responsibility.”

White goes on to explain that she has always believed Flowers was the father, but he has refused to acknowledge it. She claims that she has had to shoulder all the financial burdens associated with raising her child, including medical bills, daycare, and basic living expenses. Now, she is suing him for back childcare expenses, hoping that the court will hold him accountable for his part in supporting his child.

“He’s been avoiding his responsibilities,” White continues. “I’ve never asked him for anything before, but now I need help. He needs to contribute to the child he helped create, and it’s only fair. I’ve done everything for her, and I can’t keep doing it alone. It’s time for him to take responsibility.”

Flowers, who is visibly uncomfortable sitting across from White, denies being the father and initially protests that the situation is not as simple as she makes it out to be. “Yes, we had a fling, but that was years ago. I didn’t think it was serious, and I never thought it would lead to this,” Flowers explains. “I’m not denying that we had some fun together, but I never thought I would be forced into this situation.”

Flowers expresses his confusion over the paternity of the child, questioning whether he is truly the father. “I’ve heard stories about other possible fathers, and I’ve always believed she had other options,” Flowers continues. “I’ve always been busy with work, and I didn’t think I needed to be involved. But now she’s taking me to court for money, and I’m just not sure what’s going on. I’ve never seen the child as my own. I don’t even know if I am the father.”

White, frustrated and emotional, speaks out in defense of her position. “You can’t just disappear for years and then act like you don’t know the truth,” White says, shaking her head. “This isn’t about me and you—this is about our child. She needs her father in her life, and I need him to help provide for her.”

Judge Lake, who is presiding over the case, listens carefully to both sides and takes note of the complexities involved. She understands that this is not just about financial support but also about accountability, and the importance of understanding the impact on the child. “I hear you both,” Judge Lake says. “But what matters here is not just your relationship, but the well-being of the child. She deserves to know who her father is and have a relationship with him. She also deserves to be supported financially by both parents. What you do today will determine the future for her.”

As the case proceeds, the tension in the courtroom escalates. The emotional burden of years of raising a child alone weighs heavily on White, while Flowers is forced to confront the reality of his past actions. The financial demands White is placing on Flowers make him uneasy, especially since he’s not convinced he is the biological father.

“It’s not just about the money,” Flowers argues. “It’s about what’s fair. If I’m the father, then fine, I’ll take responsibility. But if I’m not, I shouldn’t be expected to pay for something that isn’t mine. It’s not right.”

White, frustrated by Flowers’s reluctance, responds, “I’m not asking for a handout. I’m asking for him to step up and do what’s right. I’ve given everything for our child, and now he needs to give something back. This isn’t about fairness between us; it’s about fairness for her.”

Judge Lake then turns to both of them, reminding them of their responsibilities. “The truth is, both of you are here today because of the child,” Judge Lake explains. “Whether or not Flowers is the biological father, he has a role to play, and he must acknowledge that. Raising a child is not just about money—it’s about presence, responsibility, and care.”

The case moves toward its final moment when the DNA test results are presented, and the silence in the courtroom is deafening. The results are revealed, and Judge Lake reads them aloud: “The DNA test confirms that Flowers is indeed the biological father of the child.”

The room is filled with a mixture of shock, relief, and tension. Flowers’s face falls as the reality of the situation sinks in. “I never expected this,” Flowers says softly. “But now I know the truth. I’ll step up. I’ll do what I have to do.”

White, although relieved to have the confirmation, feels a sense of mixed emotions. “I’ve been waiting for this day for so long,” she says, her voice quiet. “Now that we have the truth, we can move forward. It’s been hard doing everything on my own, but now he has to be there. Our daughter deserves her father.”

Judge Lake offers her final thoughts, reminding both parties of the importance of putting the child first and ensuring that her needs are met. “This isn’t the end. It’s the beginning of a new chapter,” Judge Lake says. “Now, it’s time to focus on what’s best for her—financially, emotionally, and physically. You both have the responsibility to make this work for her sake.”

As the case concludes, White and Flowers leave the courtroom with the weight of the truth now revealed. For White, the years of uncertainty and struggle have come to an end, but the journey of co-parenting will require patience, effort, and cooperation. For Flowers, stepping into the role of a father will take time and responsibility, but now, he is bound to fulfill his obligations to the child he has fathered.