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dallasdocdaddy · Dec 22, 2010, 02:57 PM

I am a soon to be father (due date is next 2 weeks) and the mother of my baby wants to have nothing to do with our child. She and I are not together and originally she was going to put our baby up for adoption unless I chose to raise it. I am choosing to raise my child but have a few questions. She is insisting on signing a voluntary relinquishment of maternal rights 48 hours after the birth. I have the form ready for her to sign but what do I do with it after she signs it? Would it be better to ask her to wait 30-45 days in case she has a change of heart and then file the form? Where do I go to file this form? I live in Texas. The form she is choosing to sign states that she is choosing not to be contacted about court proceedings, does not want to appear, etc. Is this legal? The form stats that she has 11 days to change her mind which appears to be norm from the information I have found on this website. Is it really that easy? I am hoping she has a change of heart but she has already filed papers at the hospital stating she wants the child immediatlely removed from her once she is born. I will be there to sign the acknowledgment of paternity and will be ready to take my child home. Any and all advice is great appreaciated!

ScottGem · Dec 22, 2010, 04:12 PM

Where did you get this form and what makes you think it has any legal standing?

cdad · Dec 22, 2010, 04:33 PM

She is libel for child support. And for medical etc. This isn't an adoption.

Synnen · Dec 22, 2010, 04:39 PM

I doubt she CAN sign away her parental rights in this case. She is going to be liable for child support and medical--as Califdadof3 says, this is NOT an adoption.

I think the mother is under the belief that she can sign the SAME paperwork as in an adoption and just walk away. It doesn't work that way.

Any relinquishment of parent rights MUST go through the courts, and I doubt they are going to approve of her being a deadbeat parent.

Fr_Chuck · Dec 22, 2010, 04:52 PM

What you have I would say is a form that you and her would sign to allow the baby to be adopted, or given up to the state.

This form in my opinion is not legal or binding in your case.

What you do, is first get an attorney locally

But you
1. file for custody of the child in court
2. she is allowed to ask for visits but does not have to, if she does not, you have the child without her having any visits.
3. you get awarded child support for the child.
4. Be sure and get listed as father on the birth certificate.

If you are not listed on birth certificate, and you do not go though the courts for custody, you will have no legal standing with the child till you go thought he courts