Good day,

I am questioning the termination of parental rights. The problem I have is that my son is 3 years old, and his 'father' has not been apart of his life since birth also has never paid maintenance. He does not want to be apart and its not that I'm keeping him away from my son, he has on numerous occasions said so, and he denied my son to be his a few months ago. We would have contact when ever he felt like contacting us.

He is not registered as my son's father on his birth certificate, so I do not know if this will affect me not having to go through with this. It is not really want this as a solution, but have no choice. Like I said we do not have contact.

I don't want him deciding in 10 or 20 years that he know wants to be apart of my son's life. I know rather late than never in some cases, but I feel he should not have that right.

Is there a way of having this resolved or are my hands tied on this matter?

Your soonest response will be highly appreciated.

Kind regards

I couldn't find much on this in South African law, but what I found appears to be close to the law in most countries. That means that since he currently has no rights since he has not acknowledged paternity nor is he listed as the father, then a court is not going to terminate anything.

If and when he tries to become a part of the child's life, then the court will consider the issue.

However, you do your child a disservice if you don't go to court for child support. In addition, if you later marry and your new husband wants to adopt, the father will need to be identified contacted and give permission.

Thank you so very much for your quick response and I appreciate your firm and subtle answer.

I can understand your view on having him pay child support, but from my point of view I would rather him not. Its just my decision. I will also never hold it over someone's head to pay where as they don't acknowledge there own flesh and blood.

I have contact with 2 of his family members and if I need to find him one day, I can always count on them as they support me 100%.

Kind regards