Child Support

questions & answers

Question: My child has been adopted by her step-parent. I have not received notification the court. Do I receive official notice? Also,I am still paying child support by order of assignment. How can I stop the order of assigment?

Answer:

According to the Arizona Revised Statutes (A.R.S.) § 8-111, "after a petition to adopt has been filed, the clerk of the superior court shall set a time and place for a hearing by the court. Notice shall be as provided for the service of process in civil actions to: 1. The petitioner, 2. The agency, if any, 3. The person or agency conducting the social study required by section 8-112, 4. Any person or agency required to give consent by section 8-106 unless consent with a waiver of notice of hearing has been filed before the hearing, 5. Any person who has initiated a paternity action pursuant to title 25, chapter 6, article 1."

A.R.S. § 8-539 discusses adoption and child support. A.R.S. § 8-539 states: An order terminating the parent-child relationship shall divest the parent and the child of all legal rights, privileges, duties and obligations with respect to each other except the right of the child to inherit and support from the parent. This right of inheritance and support shall only be terminated by a final order of adoption.