Question:   I adopted my wife's daughter after we got married.  At first the marriage was good.  But after a few years my wife started getting into drugs like pot and cocaine and she started drinking all the time.  She'd wake up and have a Bloody Mary.  In the mornings she'd be with her young daughter and she'd be smoking marijuana.  She called that “Bugs and drugs” because they'd be watching old Bugs Bunny cartoons and she'd be smoking drugs.

We had a big argument because I told her she needed to get a job.  So she threatened that if she had to make money she'd put an ad on Craigslist and be an escort.  She said a lot of ladies from North Fulton make extra money as prostitutes.  She said our neighbor works at a massage parlor two days a week.

I just don't want to be married to her anymore.  I like watching sports, grilling on the barbecue and working on my car.

I don't feel like I should have to pay my wife child support for her daughter.  I really should not have adopted her.  We've been married for 14 years and I adopted the kid just 3 years ago.

Am I going to have to pay child support?  Do I have to remain as the girl's father?

B.K. in Roswell, GA

Answer:   Once you adopt a child you cannot “unadopt” her.  Under Georgia law, she is now your child.  Because of that, you may have to pay your wife child support if you get divorced.  Of course, you can request custody of the child and if you are awarded custody your ex-wife would have to pay you child support.

Please call us to discuss your rights regarding child support, custody and divorce.

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