Can I adopt my stepchild if there are unpaid child support arrears in Pennsylvania?

Yes — unpaid child support does not prevent adoption. However, there are financial considerations to understand.

Before adoption:

• The biological parent owes child support per the existing court order
• Unpaid amounts (arrears) accumulate as a debt

After adoption:

• The biological parent's ongoing child support obligation is terminated
• However, existing arrears (past-due amounts) may still be collectible in Pennsylvania
• The specifics vary — some states allow continued collection of arrears, others discharge them

Important considerations:

• If significant arrears are owed, you may want to collect before adoption (once adopted, enforcement may become more difficult)
• Alternatively, some families decide the adoption is worth more than the arrears
• Discuss with your spouse whether to pursue the arrears before or after adoption

Does the biological parent owing money affect the adoption?

• No — their financial obligations are separate from the adoption proceeding
• Owing child support does not give them special standing to contest
• Abandonment under 23 Pa.C.S. § 2511 still applies if they have had no meaningful contact for 6+ months

Remember: Paying child support does NOT negate abandonment. A parent can pay support and still have abandoned the child by having no relationship.

Cost: $349 | Court: Orphans' Court | Call (855) 924-0450 to discuss.