The parent who had custody of the child passed away. As the non-custodial parent, am I still obligated to pay child support? If so, why?

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So, the parent who had custody of the child passed away. As the non-custodial parent, am I still on the hook for child support? I’ve never met the child; the court ordered child support even though I didn’t want to keep the baby. Now, I live far away, and I’ve just learned about the parent’s death from the estate.

I’m getting mixed messages from child support enforcement and the current caretakers. They say I need to keep paying unless I seek custody, which I don’t want. My work won’t stop garnishing my wages without a court order, even though I have the death certificate.

Here are my questions:

  • Can I be forced to keep paying child support to someone who isn’t the custodial parent?
  • Can I request the child be put up for adoption, even though the caretaker has been named?
  • If I file for custody and can’t adopt out the child, can I still put them up for private adoption?
  • How do I check if the estate/caretakers can support the child financially?
  • Can I ask for receipts like the previous custodial parent provided?
  • If the child ends up in foster care or orphaned, do I still pay child support?
  • Will the court want me to speak? I’d prefer not to see the child due to personal reasons.

I’m reaching out to a lawyer, but I’d appreciate any advice or insight you all might have.

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You’re still paying child support because the child is alive and needs support. It’s only logical that you’d be required to continue payments to whoever is caring for the child now.

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Managing child support and custody issues may be difficult on an emotional and complex level. To properly grasp your rights and duties, consult a family law professional. They can explain your legal choices, such as possible changes to custody or child support agreements depending on the wellbeing of the kid and your situation.

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