View Full Version : If you sign over your parental rights do you still have to pay back child support
coolmom31
Jun 26, 2010, 06:36 PM
Hi my ex wants to sign over his rights he hasn't been in my sons life in over 9 yrs . But he owes 18grand in back child support . Does he still have to pay that after he signs over his rights?
Fr_Chuck
Jun 26, 2010, 06:42 PM
Well first, unless you have a new husband that wants to adopt, he can not just sign over his rights, the prison would not be full of people in jail for not paying if it was that easy.
So don't worry about the issue , since it is not possible to start with.
Next if he were to be able to sign over his rights for cause ( and he has not listed here) yes he still owes the back support.
GV70
Jun 27, 2010, 04:59 PM
. But he owes 18grand in back child support . Does he still have to pay that after he signs over his rights?
Yes-both past and future child support.
ScottGem
Jun 27, 2010, 05:31 PM
There is a sticky note at the top of this forum that deals with this issue. Bottom line is that only a court can terminate parental rights, they cannot be signed over. And courts will not do so except under limited and specific circumstances. And they will not do so to allow a parent out of paying the support owed.
coolmom31
Jun 28, 2010, 12:47 AM
well first, unless you have a new husband that wants to adopt, he can not just sign over his rights, the prison would not be full of people in jail for not paying if it was that easy.
So don't worry about the issue , since it is not possible to start with.
next if he were to be able to sign over his rights for cause ( and he has not listed here) yes he still owes the back support.
OK but yes my husband that has raised my son since he was 2months old would adopt him but we where told it cost a lot . My son has my madion name anyway. But my ex and I agree on this but I just want to know if he would still would have to pay for the back support . I now he wouldn't have to pay for any more . He hasn't been in my sons life for over 9yrs my son is almost 13
GV70
Jun 28, 2010, 01:39 AM
ok but yes my husband that has raised my son since he was 2months old would adopt him but we where told it cost alot . my son has my madion name anyways. But my ex and i agree on this but I just want to know if he would still would have to pay for the back support . i now he wouldnt have to pay for any more . He hasnt been in my sons life for over 9yrs my son is almost 13
He IS under obligation to pay child support till adoption is finalized.No forgiveness for unpaid child support.
ScottGem
Jun 28, 2010, 03:50 AM
First, who told you an adoption would cost a lot? Have you tried shopping around for attorneys?
If the adoption is uncontested, it probably won't cost as much. And maybe the ex will be willing to kick in some since it would end his FUTURE support obligation. As for the arrears, he would still owe that, but you MAY be able to forgive the debt. So, again, he may be willing to pay for the costs of the adoption if it means ending the support he owes.
Shop around for an attorney and ask whether these things are possible in your area.