I am wanting to file for divorce and custody of my nine year old son. The father of my son has not been in his life for over 4 years. I am not wanting to get child support if I don't have to however I am wanting him to give up his paternal rights to him. He is nothing but an alcoholic and my son has admitted to abuse taking place when he did go visit him twice. I am wanting him to give up all legal rights to him. I am in a healty relationship and am wanting the man that I am with to gain cutody or rights to my son. I live in Virginia and want to know if this possible to do and how to go about doing it.:confused:

There are two reasons the courts will grant a termination of parental rights. One is to clear the way for an adoption, the other is if the parent is a danger to the child. Sounds like you got them both covered.

The only hitch I see is that you aren't married (as far as I can tell from your note). And the courts would prefer a stable relationship before granting the adoption. So proceed with your divorce. Ask for full custody with no visitation (I would not ask for TPR yet). Then after you are married, file for adoption.