I’m in the process of adopting my step-kids, and we just got news that’s bound to send their bio-dad into a rage. This guy doesn’t want the kids, doesn’t care about them, and certainly doesn’t want to pay child support. After not seeing the kids for a couple of years—his choice, not ours—he’s behind about 18k in support payments. To stop the bleeding, we agreed to waive back child support, and he finally signed the adoption paperwork. But today, we found out the state filed an objection to waiving that back support. Even though he signed the papers, can he back out now?
State law usually prohibits backing out once the paperwork is signed. There might be exceptions, but generally, he’s in a tough spot now.
Kaitlyn said:
State law usually prohibits backing out once the paperwork is signed. There might be exceptions, but generally, he’s in a tough spot now.
I’ve searched a lot about this, and it seems like he really doesn’t have much of a leg to stand on.
Sounds like he tried to blackmail you guys and the state is having none of it. Just keep processing the adoption papers; you’ve done everything right.
macuz said:
Sounds like he tried to blackmail you guys and the state is having none of it. Just keep processing the adoption papers; you’ve done everything right.
Exactly! He’s representing himself now because all his lawyers have quit.
It all depends on what he signed. If he consented to the adoption without conditions, it should hold up in court. But if he included that the waiver of back support was necessary, things could get tricky.
@Grier
He did refuse to sign the paperwork unless it stated we agreed to waive back support.
If the state is involved, it’s likely they’ll want that back support addressed. Often, they don’t allow waiving back support, especially if they’ve incurred costs for the kids.
Caelan said:
If the state is involved, it’s likely they’ll want that back support addressed. Often, they don’t allow waiving back support, especially if they’ve incurred costs for the kids.
Yeah, we wanted to modify things and get full custody since he basically abandoned the kids. The state is definitely taking care of holding him accountable.
So if he signed, he should have a hard time arguing against it unless the court finds his consent invalid. The state typically doesn’t let parents off the hook easily.
Lyle said:
So if he signed, he should have a hard time arguing against it unless the court finds his consent invalid. The state typically doesn’t let parents off the hook easily.
Right? We’re just tired of dealing with a deadbeat dad hanging over our lives.