If My Child is Adopted, Do I Still Have to Pay Child Support?
It is a common and valid question for many prospective birth parents: "Will I be responsible for child support if my child is adopted by new parents?"
Adoption is the legal transfer of parental rights and responsibilities from the birth parent(s) to the adoptive parent(s). This means that, whether you are making an adoption plan for your child with a new adoptive family or your child is being adopted by a stepparent, you will not be responsible for future child support payments once your parental rights are terminated.
In the case of a full adoption (like those completed by American Adoptions), both birth parents’ rights are legally terminated and the child is placed for adoption with a new family. Once the birth parents sign their consent to the adoption, they no longer have rights or responsibilities for the child, including the legal obligation to pay child support.
Helpful Information
Similarly, you will not be required to make future child support payments in the case of a stepparent adoption, in which you are separated from your child’s other biological parent and that parent’s new partner is adopting the child. However, if you are behind on past child support payments, you will be responsible to pay that outstanding obligation.
Before you stop making existing child support payments, it is important to contact the office that handles child support matters in your state. They can answer your questions about your past and future child support obligations in your individual circumstances. You may also wish to work with an adoption professional or child support attorney to ensure you are not held liable for any additional child support payments after the adoption is finalized.
If you are considering adoption for your baby, you can contact an adoption specialist any time at 1-800-ADOPTION, or request additional free adoption information with no obligation to proceed with the adoption process. An adoption specialist can answer any additional questions you may have about the rights and responsibilities of birth fathers in adoption, as well as the financial resources available to expectant parents considering an adoption plan.
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