Divorce Advice for Men | Fathers Rights Divorce | Child Custody

Question:

My wife and I recently finalized the adoption of our daughter, though it appears we are headed for divorce so I would like information on child custody laws.

She informed me she lied numerous times on the adoption application and during the home visits from a social worker.

Could I be held liable for any of this as we move forward with a divorce? Can I use her lies against her in our divorce and child custody case?

Question:

It was recently determined that I am the biological father of a child I have never met. At that time, I was also ordered to pay back child support from the time the child was born until now.

The child's stepfather wants to adopt him, which is fine with me since I do not know the child. So how can the child's stepfather adopt him, and how can I get the child support obligation removed?

I think it's unfair that I am ordered to pay years worth of back child support for a child that I never knew.

By Jill A. Duffy

Attorney, Cordell & Cordell

Divorce during adoption does not have to end the adoption, but it can be an obstacle that needs careful planning and handling.

There are several types of adoption, and how a divorce effects the adoption will depend on the rights of the biological parents and the decision of the court that approves the adoption.

Question:

My stepdaughter's biological father has never been in the picture.

Is there a way we can terminate the biological father's parental rights so that I can do a stepparent adoption?

Among the Ask a Divorce Lawyer questions answered today by Cordell & Cordell attorneys:

• If a marriage is declared void, will that have an affect on my adoption of her child?
• My wife signed over custody of our kids by a letter that was signed in front of a notary. Is this a legal binding agreement?
• Is my Ph.D. marital property that my wife has a claim to, and how will this affect spousal support? How will the value of this degree be determined?  
• I'm in the military and deployed in another state from where I live. Where should I file for divorce?