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johndoe123 · Dec 13, 2007, 12:04 PM

OK so I have given this a lot of thought and I think it's the right decision for me to sign away my rights to my child yes I am behind in child support but that's not the true reason behind it. Its just that where I am at in my life I can't be a good father. So I've read some of the posts on here and what I have come up with is that my ex needs to be remarried and her new husband has to be willing to adopt in order for this to go through and even then the courts could turn it down IS THIS CORRECT? I would like to here some advice from a legal professional and if your just passing through and want to drop a comment about how its not right for me to do this before you post remember you don't know me or my life and I have struggled with this for some time now.

LearningAsIGo · Dec 13, 2007, 12:12 PM

You can give up rights, but that has nothing to do with child support, only things like visitation and the legal right to make medical decisions, etc. You cannot get out of a previous child support order unless you give up rights AND the child is adopted. Unless of course, the mother agrees to let you out of the agreement. Either way, you're going to need the advice of an attorney in your area. Giving up your rights and/or child support will not be easy.

I'm not a legal professional, but I do have personal experience through friends.

ScottGem · Dec 13, 2007, 02:25 PM

Your understanding is correct. Termination of parental rights has be granted by a court and is rarely granted except to clear the way for adoption or when the parent presents a danger to the child.

So your carefully thought out plan falls flat on its face. I wonder, in all this thought you claim to have given, what do you think you will accomplsih by relinquishing rights (in the unlikely event its granted)? If you feel you can't be a good father at this time in your life, then why make a permanent break? Why not just write a letter to your kids and explain your feelings to them. And express the hope that, at some future time, you might be able to be a small part of their lives. But, in the meantime you will continue to provide the financial support ordered by the court to the best of your ability.

annasmom1 · Jan 31, 2008, 09:35 AM

Every answer this person has had, has been very useful and to the point!