My niece and her boyfriend split up after 7 years and four children. Unable to support kids on walmart wages, my niece brought children to me in 2003. Looks like I'm a single mom now, and seeking to adopt. My problem is back in 03 I recieved emergency medical and food for kids for three months, needed time to adjust to cost of kids. Didn't realize this would start a child support case against my niece and her boyfriend. I have to go to court in Jan 08, as niece is in contempt of court for non-payment. I don't know what to expect, its all very overwhelming. Niece is high school drop out, no job, and two more kids, living below poverty level with current boyfriend in same city. Any suggestions? What should I expect at this hearing? Will they put my neice in jail? As if it is not hard enough being a great aunt and now a single mom myself. Help.

You can't stop it. Because you received government assistance for the children, the parents have an obligation to pay it back. Once the adoption is finalized, they will not have to pay any more support.

Did you know that the kids may qualify for a federal subsidy until age 18 after you adopt? They are considered special needs because they are a large sibling group. I would ask the agency about it when you adopt if they have not already told you about it.

Thanks, J3Jamie. I have posted to other boards/forums, and really surprised at the attitudes I've gotten towards the situation. Seems the parents are deadbeats and I am an enabler. In the rush to blame someone, and the concern over tax dollars, most forget that I am talking about innocent children who depend on adults, any adults, for everything. I also get the impression that the new second class citizen is the single parent. Its sad. Thanks again for the advice.