Step parent adoption problem in Tennessee?!?

Question

I read on another answer on here that the adopting parent cannot be on any form of state aid. We are on unemployment at the moment.

My husband recently lost his job and we must move to Washington to 1. get help from dh's family, and 2. find a good job in his field (or get some new training first).

My ex doesn't want the increase in his support payments, so wants to give up his rights and allow dh to adopt the boys. Will the state of Tennessee allow dh to adopt under these circumstances? It won't be contested, and my ex will endorse the idea of dh adopting.

I wish I could call the lawyer we're seeing this coming Wed now! I hate the thought that we'll have this stand in our way.

Answer 1

Step parent adoption is different then the many other types of adoption...

But, I must ask if you are having financial problems why on earth would you want to lose the bit of child support your sons father can pay?

Also, is your ex giving up rights only because he wants off the hook for child support????

This is sad if it is the case.... Ordinarily the reason step parents adopt children is because there is NO relationship at all with the biological parent and has not been child support paid in years if ever....

Most step parent adoptions are pretty simple....

Answer 2

I don't know much about step parent adoption.  However, I don't think the unemployment compensation will be an obstacle in such an adoption.  We considered my husband adopting my daughter but opted to just let things play out naturally.  That is, we didn't pressure for child support payments (but we were in a financial situation at the time that made that possible). And we never closed the door  for him (my ex) to pursue a relationship with his daughter although we never, ever encouraged it.  

Also, I know that leaving the state that your ex lives in could pose a problem in collecting support in the future. You usually have to prove that you had to move.  Is there any chance you'll come back to TN. and need that support?

Good luck in Washington.