Stopped Adoption--What Now?

[MJKS]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? KS

Over 9 years ago I gave a child up for adoption. Less than a year later, the natural father stopped the process--without telling me. Later that year, I was notified that he was suing me for child support. I contacted him and reminded him the reason for the adoption in the first place was that I was unable to support a child at that time--not much had changed. He agreed to stop the child support filing. Now, 9 years later, he is suing me again for back child support. I really thought I had done everything I should have as far as giving a child up for adoption that I was unable to care for, but now it seems I can't get away from the situation. Does my part of the adoption not mean anything? Am I going to be responsible for this past child support? Is there anyway I can dissolve my parental rights?

 

[Zigner]

The parents of the child are required to support their child. It's a basic concept that our society feels is just and proper.

 

[ecmst12]

You did not give the child up for adoption. You still have your parental rights and merely gave custody to dad. He could have filed for support at any time and still can. No, an incomplete adoption does not mean a single thing. No, you can't give up your rights at this point unless dad is married and his wife WANTS to adopt.

If dad has had custody of the child and he wants child support, it is going to be ordered. I don't know if he will be able to get anything retroactive, this is less likely, but prepare yourself to be paying going forward.

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? KS

Over 9 years ago I gave a child up for adoption. Less than a year later, the natural father stopped the process--without telling me. Later that year, I was notified that he was suing me for child support. I contacted him and reminded him the reason for the adoption in the first place was that I was unable to support a child at that time--not much had changed. He agreed to stop the child support filing. Now, 9 years later, he is suing me again for back child support. I really thought I had done everything I should have as far as giving a child up for adoption that I was unable to care for, but now it seems I can't get away from the situation. Does my part of the adoption not mean anything? Am I going to be responsible for this past child support? Is there anyway I can dissolve my parental rights?

Nope. You should have had an abortion. You didn't. The child's FATHER then has a right to raise his child. You get to support that child. Your part of the adoption means NOTHING. You still have your parental rights. Sex is expensive.

 

[Isis1]

Nope. You should have had an abortion. You didn't. The child's FATHER then has a right to raise his child. You get to support that child. Your part of the adoption means NOTHING. You still have your parental rights. Sex is expensive.

totally just saw that, and started laughing

 

[MJKS]

Thank you for your responses. I totally agree with you Ohiogal--think I will start volunteer counseling at Planned Parenthood! Spoke to an attorney today. Think we will fight the arrears claim, but I will plan on paying the monthly child support starting now. I really don't care about the money part. I just don't want to be tied to this man and this child in any other way. I have a family that does not include either of them, and I am perfectly content keeping it that way. Thanks again!

 

[stealth2]

Thank you for your responses. I totally agree with you Ohiogal--think I will start volunteer counseling at Planned Parenthood! Spoke to an attorney today. Think we will fight the arrears claim, but I will plan on paying the monthly child support starting now. I really don't care about the money part. I just don't want to be tied to this man and this child in any other way. I have a family that does not include either of them, and I am perfectly content keeping it that way. Thanks again!

Sounds like the child is lucky. I feel sorry for your other kids, though...