View Full Version : A single mother's legal rights?!
W_Lee
Jan 9, 2012, 03:46 PM
My child's father left when she was 18 months old; he was gone and out of touch for six months. Since then he has been in and out of her life (popping in every few months for a hour or so). We do not know where he lives or know how to get in contact with him. What are my legal rights or how would I go about revoking his parental rights. I know I cannot file abandonment against him because he did actually take her anywhere and abandon her. He was court ordered to pay child support but I never know if he is going to pay because I do not have any contact with him.
Please Help!
W_Lee
Jan 9, 2012, 03:51 PM
***I cannot file abandonment papers beause he DID NOT take her anywhere and just leave her!***
Fr_Chuck
Jan 9, 2012, 03:58 PM
And you can not take away his rights, You can ask to have any child visit modified to terms you want. You can turn him over to child support enforcement.
You can get a new spouse to adopt the child perhaps
ScottGem
Jan 9, 2012, 04:01 PM
No court is going to terminate his rights. Have you asked your state agency (ANY question on law needs to include your general locale as laws vary by area.) to help enforce the support order? Most states have agencies to help.
The best you can hope for at this time is to have visitation denied so when he shows up you can refuse to let him see the child. If there is no court ordered visitation, then you can refuse now and let him try to take you to court.