Pennsylvania: Need to file child support right before I file stepparent adoption

[anyamclaughlin]

I am in the middle of filing for a stepparent adoption (paperwork was returned and I have to try to notice him once more of the adoption petition before I can either publish or get a court hearing), and was wondering if I could also file for child support. I originally had a case in OK, and it was cancelled and I never re-opened a case in PA, where I am filing the adoption. The case was open for 2 years, and he never made a payment. I want to re-open in the county I live in so that I can get back what is owed to my daughter, and to hopefully eventually put the money we've spent on the adoption back into her college fund we'd been saving. Any help is appreciated.

[Friend In Court]

Originally Posted by anyamclaughlin I am in the middle of filing for a stepparent adoption (paperwork was returned and I have to try to notice him once more of the adoption petition before I can either publish or get a court hearing), and was wondering if I could also file for child support. I originally had a case in OK, and it was cancelled and I never re-opened a case in PA, where I am filing the adoption. The case was open for 2 years, and he never made a payment. I want to re-open in the county I live in so that I can get back what is owed to my daughter, and to hopefully eventually put the money we've spent on the adoption back into her college fund we'd been saving. Any help is appreciated.

What state are you in now? Was a support order ever made and if so, what state? Where you state the 'case as open for 2 years and he never made a payment', was a support order ever made?

If a support order was made, then proceedings can be brought in the county in which you are residing, a show cause for contempt for his not paying. Where the adoption paperwork was apparently returned, notice for this as well as any other proceedings you intend to bring in court is essential.

If you have to resort to publication, as a practical matter this long gone deadbeat dad seems unlikely to pony up support. If you are contemplating a new support order meanwhile petitioning for adoption, I would focus on the adoption and write him off. If he contests the adoption, then you will have the opportunity to respond with a motion for support.

The original support order was filed in OK, and ended up being cancelled due to my "non cooperation". They said I did not give them enough information on the father. I've spent 5 years trying to find him lol.. I went to the child support office in my county in PA, where I'm filing the adoption, and I decided that I will only focus on the adoption. I was originally thinking that it will push him into signing the adoption papers if he was getting pushed into paying the support. But, you're right.. This deadbeat Dad is a waste of my time. I'm wondering why he's not responsible for the support that was ordered for the 2 years while the case was open. The OK county told me the only way they will go after him is if I open a case in my county in PA. My PA county told me they will not collect on the order in OK from 5 years ago, that it was OK's responsibility and opening a case here would have nothing to do with what he owes in OK. I am letting the support go and focusing on the adoption. Plus, I'd rather not rock the boat, and just do what I need to do quietly for the adoption. I think I know where he is staying, and I don't want him to leave until I get the papers for the adoption hearing in his hands.. and if he does take off, the court is letting me publish Thanks so much for your response, I appreciate it