Breakups & Divorce Support Group

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STEP CHILD SUPPORT

deleted_user
deleted_user
My step child currently receives a very modest support check from her dad, aroud $230.00. The life style she now has is upper middle class. If her mom and I split, will I have to support her too? I have not adopted her. Anyone know?
deleted_user
deleted_user
Not in Michigan.
Che2
Che2
I can't imagine that you would have to in ANY state.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Not in Illinois - you have to have adopted the child to pay support.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Highly unlikely but check the laws of your state to be sure.

My ex didn't have to pay support for my oldest that I had prior to our marriage. He only pays support for the child we had together but does 'do' for the oldest as well just because he wants to.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Thank You! I am not sure how I feel about it. Attorney cancelled and I was curious. My wife thinks she is going to become independently wealthy. Told me she would never ever have to work after me :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
No, you don't have to legally support the child. You may want to do so anyway if you truly love her.
deleted_user
deleted_user
If you WANT to still support her in a manner, you could purchase things yourself, so as NOT to give the mom more money but to make sure that your step-daughter has things that YOU would like her to have (afterschool activities, gifts, movies, winter coat, etc.). My x didn't adopt my oldest, but he is the only father she has known. She has no contact with her bio dad (he's behind over $35,000 in child support). My x doesn't pay child support for her, but he helps out by taking her shopping for school clothes, holiday gifts, vacations with him and our son, etc.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Not in VA or WV. My X is also step-dad and promised to help out since her bio dad is a total moron but he hasnt. And not required.
deleted_user
deleted_user
No, only if you had adopted her.

And her biological father would have had to sign away his parental rights in order for that to happen.

(I know this because I had 2 stepchildren with my stbx, and belonged to a stepfamily forum for a few years.)
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