Is it legal for the biological parents to pay for education?

Question

Just wondering, when adopting, is it legal of the biological parents pay for education fees of the child (who's already been adopted by another family), even though on the decree it states that the biological parents are removed of all responsibilities and rights?

Answer 1

When a child is adopted, the biological parents have no rights to or responsibilities for that child.  That does not mean that they can not provide for the childs education if they wish to (and the child and/or adoptive parents agree).

Answer 2

The biological parents are not OBLIGATED to pay for anything when the adoption is complete. However, they may OFFER to.

... If you adopted a child and now YOU want the biological parents to pay for something, then you clearly didn't understand the papers you were signing.

Answer 3

I could pay and it would be legal. Anyone can pay if they want to. bio parents can't be forced if they rights have been terminated and the child adopted

Answer 4

Yes, it is legal.

Answer 5

Yes, they can pay for any expenses.  Legally, they don't have to, but it is basically considered a gift from a friend, not a legal family member.  Chances are though, they won't be able to take it as a tax deduction because you are legally not related.  A tax advisor can help you with that question better than I though.  I think it's great they are now part of your life, and willing to help!

Answer 6

Hello ihaveaquestion,

It's not illegal for anyone to pay for someone else's college.  I think it would be very generous for anyone to contribute to a child's education fund if they are capable of doing so.  Grandparents & other relatives often do this even though they do not have parental responsibilities of the children either.

Even for biological children, there still is no legal obligation on any parent's part to pay for their child's college education.  Many students get a job and/or take out loans to pay their own way through school.

If you adopt from foster care, the government will pay for the child's college education:

http://www.nasfaa.org/Subhomes/ResearchH...

Hope this helps.

julie j

reunited adoptee

Answer 7

They are not obligated.  My parents set up a trust for the daughter I gave up for adoption with her parents consent.  It was set up when her dad had a heart attack.  My parents wanted to be sure she would be cared for financially if anything happened.  They visited my parents often during the last 18 years until my mothers death.  (I do believe that many of my mothers 9 siblings gave to the trust.)

Answer 8

If the biological parents want to pay and offer then it's legal but they are not legally obligated to do it because they have signed over all responsibilities and rights so they can no longer be held legally responsible.

Answer 9

Yes. If they want to and the adoptive parents agree it is fine. They are in no way obligated to do anything for the child after it is given up for adoption though.