AboutPeter C. Winkler, CSW Expertise I have experience with adoption subsidy, the Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children and variety of other adoption related matters. I hope that I can be helpful to those who are considering adoption or would like to adopt a child.
Experience I am a social worker with an MSW and I have over thirty years of experience in family and children's services. I have worked as Director of adoption services and of the Interstate Compact in a large state agency. I have also provided direct services to children and families in a preventive services program. I currently prepare adoption studies for those who are adopting domestically or internationally.
Question QUESTION: My Ex girlfriends husband wants to adopt my 6 year old daughter. I have been paying child support for the last five years. If I consent to the adoption how much would it cost?
ANSWER: Hi Mike-
When you consent to the child being adopted, (it is also called relinquishing your paternal rights)and that child is subsequently adopted by someone else, you no longer are responsible for paying the child's mother any future child support. If you are behind in your payments, you may be responsible for those payments, but you will not be responsible in the future. You will have to sign an affadavit stating that you are voluntarioy relinquishing your legal rights. The affadavit is usually signed in a lawyer's office. It would be a good idea to have the lawyer fully explain the "terms" of the affadavit prior to signing it.
There is normally no cost for the parent who relinquishes their paternal rights.
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QUESTION: Thank you for the reply. I also need to know what costs there would be for my ex and her husband. Thank you.
Answer Mike-
There are several costs involved in such an adoption:
1. The charges of the lawyer who prepares the case and brings it to court.
2. Charges for doing what is called an adoption home study. This is a written report that is usually done by a social worker who visits the person who is adopting. The home study indicates that the person who is adopting is a suitable adoptive parent for the child.
3. Court fees.
It is hard to say what the charges for these things will be. It would be best to call lawyers and social workers in your area to get a good estimate of the costs.
