Can I Be Billed for Child Support After Adoption?

Question from Stonehenge, Can I Be Billed for Child Support After Adoption?

Answer from AI:

When a child is adopted, the legal responsibilities and rights of the biological parents are typically terminated, including the obligation to pay child support. However, the specifics of this process can vary depending on the laws of the state where the adoption takes place. In your situation, it’s important to understand the legal steps that should have been taken and what you can do now.

Understanding Adoption and Child Support in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, as in other states, when a child is legally adopted, the adoptive parents assume all parental rights and responsibilities. This means that the biological parents are generally relieved of their legal obligations, including paying child support.

Termination of Parental Rights

Before an adoption can occur, the biological parents’ rights must be terminated, either voluntarily or by court order. This is a critical legal step that must be documented properly.

Adoption Process

The adoption process involves a court proceeding where the judge will issue a final decree of adoption. This decree legally establishes the adoptive parents as the child’s parents in every sense, and it should also terminate the child support obligations of the biological parents.

Child Support Orders

If there was a child support order in place, it should have been addressed during the adoption proceedings. The court typically orders the termination of the child support obligation as part of the adoption process.

Addressing Your Child Support Bills

If you are still receiving child support bills after your child has been adopted, there may have been an oversight or a legal issue that needs to be resolved. Here are some steps you can take:

1. Confirm the Adoption: Verify that the adoption was finalized legally. You may need to contact the court where the adoption took place or request documentation from the adoptive parents.
2. Review the Child Support Order: Look at the original child support order to understand the terms and conditions that were set.
3. Consult with a Family Law Attorney: A family law attorney can provide guidance specific to your situation and help you understand your rights and obligations.
4. Contact the Child Support Services: Reach out to the Oklahoma Child Support Services to inform them of the adoption and request that they stop the child support enforcement actions against you.
5. Provide Proof of Adoption: You may need to submit a copy of the adoption decree to the child support enforcement agency to prove that your obligation should be terminated.
6. Request a Modification of the Child Support Order: If the child support order was not properly terminated, you might need to file a petition with the court to modify the order.

Legal Advice and Assistance

It’s important to note that dealing with legal issues surrounding custody, adoption, and child support can be complex. Legal advice from a qualified attorney is crucial to navigate this process correctly. An attorney can help ensure that all legal procedures have been followed and assist you in taking the necessary steps to resolve the issue of ongoing child support bills.

Conclusion

If your child has been legally adopted by another family member in Oklahoma, you should not be responsible for continuing to pay child support. However, you must take action to ensure that the child support order is properly terminated. Consulting with a family law attorney and working with the appropriate child support services can help you address and resolve this issue.