Child Support in Termination of Parental Rights and Adoption Cases

When a parent’s parental rights are terminated by the Court, it is no longer possible for the other biological parent or the adopting parent(s) to receive child support from the parent whose parental rights were terminated. However, any child support arrears remaining can still be collected from the parent whose rights were terminated.

While a Petition to Terminate Parental Rights is still pending with the Court, child support continues to accrue and to be due from the biological parent, despite the pending petition. It is only after the Court signs an Order terminating a parent’s rights that child support will stop accruing. Because Domestic Relations (the agency that handles child support in Pennsylvania) will not necessarily know that a parent’s rights have been terminated, it is wise to reach out to Domestic Relations to alert them of the change so that they can ensure that no further child support is collected beyond any arrears that might be owed.

In general, it is important to remember that terminating a parent’s parental rights terminates all of their obligations to the child, including providing child support, healthcare, etc. Thereafter, the remaining parent and/or adopting parent(s) will be solely responsible for providing for the child.

If you are interested in learning more about termination of parental rights or adoption, contact Tanner Law Offices at (717) 731-8114 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.