Step-parent adoption and collecting back child support.

I am currently filing to adopt my step child. A court order has been given in 1996 to have the biological father pay child support. He hasn't paid a dime nor has he cared to see his child. Will we still be entitled to the back child support even if I adopt my step child? How long does the average step-parent adoption take. Thanks

My husband has just adopted my 2 boys from a previous marriage. My ex hasn't paid child support, either. However, he is responsible for all the back cs owed up until the day the judge signed the adoption papers. I was told by the cs agency that when I get the final adoption papers & send them in they will send them to the judge for him to make the decision on how the back cs is to paid. (This is in Ohio.)

Once the ex had signed his rights over & our attorney had filed everything, my husband had to get fingerprinted & have them run at the state & federal levels. It took about 2 mos. for the prints to come back. We also had to have a home visit with children services so they could give a recommendation to the judge. Then, we had the court hearing about a month later.

Good Luck!