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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.

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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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is American Adoptions the right adoption agency choice for many birth mothers?

American Adoptions is one of the largest licensed adoption agencies in the United States. Each year, we work with thousands of women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy and offer assistance to these women. Our large, caring staff is able to assist you seven days a week and provide you with one-on-one counseling about your pregnancy and available options.

You should choose an adoption agency where you feel completely comfortable with their services and staff. With American Adoptions, you will work with an Adoption Specialist who is on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Adoption Specialist will be your advocate and will provide support and guidance as you create an adoption plan that is right for you.

How will the family tell my child about me and the adoption when my child is older?

Each family has their own style of introducing adoption to the child. When you are matched with an adoptive family, you can ask them this question. If you would like your Adoption Specialist to discuss it for you, just let her know. He or she can share your wishes or provide good ideas from other adoptive families.

You will also be able to share what you want your baby to know about you. You can complete a keepsake booklet to share hobbies, stories, photos of you and your family and a letter to your baby. The adoptive family can provide this to your child as he or she grows older. Be as creative as you like! Some birth mothers have even knitted a special blanket as a gift to their baby or given a similar symbol of their love.

The father of your baby can fill out the birth father's keepsake booklet or write a letter too. You may have other family members who would also like to share photos or a letter to the baby. This is your opportunity to pass on your and your family's love and to share your personality, history and reasons for choosing adoption. The adoptive family will treasure whatever information you provide and will share it with the baby at an appropriate age. In most adoptive homes, the word adoption is in the child's vocabulary early on, and adoption is celebrated in their lives.

Additional Resources

Teen Pregnancy - Information for Young Women

While not every woman who chooses adoption is a young mother, many are. Through adoption, many young women have found an ability to give their babies the best life possible, while finding the opportunity to realize their own dreams, as well. Call American Adoptions today at 1-800-ADOPTION.

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Adoption Glossary

Do adoption terms and phrases leave you feeling confused? Learn the meaning to key adoption words and phrases with our comprehensive adoption glossary.

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