My kids dad wants to give up parental rights to his kids. He just moved out of state and has been always absent in their lives. We were never married. I guess my question is do both parents need to be present to do this? Or can he just go to a lawyer and do this on his own?

Why does he want to give up parental rights? Giving up parental rights will NOT sever his parental responsibilities--like child support.

Most judges will not allow this to happen unless there is someone willing to step in to adopt.

Yes, why does he want to do this, and why would you want to let him?

Not only do both parents want to agree but the judge will also have to agree to allow it. And of course the parent will still have to pay child support, since giving up rights does not stop child support unless there is a new partner to adopt