Hey everyone, I’ve got a question. I have adopted kids who are not US citizens and have never been to the US. If I can provide proof of adoption, do you think the court would consider them to help lower my child support for my US-based child? Anyone have experience with this?
I think it depends on the state you’re in. Some places might consider adopted children even if they’re overseas, but it varies a lot.
Tiffany said:
I think it depends on the state you’re in. Some places might consider adopted children even if they’re overseas, but it varies a lot.
That makes sense, thanks. I didn’t think about how states might differ.
Tiffany said:
I think it depends on the state you’re in. Some places might consider adopted children even if they’re overseas, but it varies a lot.
Yeah, in some states they only count dependents living in the US. You might want to check local rules just to be sure.
You’d probably need some paperwork showing you financially support them. Courts usually ask for proof, especially if the kids are overseas.
Thorn said:
You’d probably need some paperwork showing you financially support them. Courts usually ask for proof, especially if the kids are overseas.
Good point. I have adoption papers, but I’ll look into what else I’d need.
Thorn said:
You’d probably need some paperwork showing you financially support them. Courts usually ask for proof, especially if the kids are overseas.
Yeah, they might want to see regular financial support records too. Depends on how strict they are.
Honestly, some courts might not count overseas dependents. I heard California considers it sometimes but only with specific documentation.
Conley said:
Honestly, some courts might not count overseas dependents. I heard California considers it sometimes but only with specific documentation.
Oh interesting, I didn’t know that! I’ll check if my state is similar to California.
Conley said:
Honestly, some courts might not count overseas dependents. I heard California considers it sometimes but only with specific documentation.
If you’re not in California, might be worth asking a local family lawyer. They’d know the specifics.
Just FYI, courts often prioritize US-resident kids for support. But if you get a good attorney, they might make a case for you.
Campbell said:
Just FYI, courts often prioritize US-resident kids for support. But if you get a good attorney, they might make a case for you.
Good advice! I’ll look into finding a family lawyer to help with this.
Campbell said:
Just FYI, courts often prioritize US-resident kids for support. But if you get a good attorney, they might make a case for you.
That’s smart, especially if they know the specific rules in your area.
Some places let you petition for dependents that aren’t US-based, but it’s usually partial. Don’t expect a big reduction.
Hari said:
Some places let you petition for dependents that aren’t US-based, but it’s usually partial. Don’t expect a big reduction.
Yeah, I figured it might just be a small reduction if anything. Thanks for the insight!
Hari said:
Some places let you petition for dependents that aren’t US-based, but it’s usually partial. Don’t expect a big reduction.
No problem! Courts just want to make sure local kids are taken care of first.