[crickett_lee]

My husband is going to adopt my 2 children from a previous marrige. The only thing that has stopped us is $. I have heard that you can do an adoption w/out an attorney. Is this true? If so where do we start? Thank you for your time and God Bless! Oh we also don't know where the bio father is he's not been a part of the childrens lives... deadbeat over $22,000 behind in support.

[KaydensMama]

not related to anything but how can he be so far behind in payments? In the state of WA at least if your only 6 months behind they pull all the cords in on you and withhold your paychecks up to 50% and block your income taxes and bank accounts until it's all paid in full. I can't imange 22,000 in back pay. wow. I hope something can be done so he isn't their father anymore. they need a real dad and sounds like your husband can be that for them.

[tgage]

It can be done. I did it about 2-1/2 years ago. It took some research at a local law library and some time drawing up the paperwork. I also had to do a "notification by publication" because we couldn't find my dw's ex.

In most states, back child support is owed to the other spouse (not the children) and can be collected after an adoption.

Tim