[wonderingwhy77]

My boyfriends ex-girlfriend is pregnant and she's saying that its his. He believes that it is his. He wants to give up his rights but does not know what the law is in North Dakota. Would he still have to pay child support. We have both heard that he would but have not had any valid sources. I also heard that in North Dakota you can't sign away rights. I was just wondering what the law is?

[Marriedguy]

Giving up his rights will not get him out of child support. Every deadbeat in America would would be giving up the rights to there children.

[famlee]

Parental rights and obligations are two separate things. Is this the only reason he wants to give up his rights as a parent? He does understand that once he gives them up, his ex-girlfriend is no longer under any law required to let him be a part of that child's life. There is no turning back. Meaning if he has a change of heart a year later, too late unless his ex will allow him to be a part of the child's life. Most states don't allow fathers to terminate their rights unless there is an adoption in progress.

[macksmom]

A father can only terminate his rights willingly if there is someone willing to adopt the child in his place.

Otherwise he will be responsible for child support.

[cjonline]

Yes, he will be required to pay the support. Even if he never sees his child he will be held responsible for the support.

If he doesn't want to be in the child's life have him give the mother full legal custody (so she can do everything she needs to do for the child without calling or taking him back to court all the time) and set up a visitation schedule but don't exercise it now. (Set it up for the future, he may want to see his child down the road) Both will be done when the support is set up.

[JudyKayTee]

This is from 2007 - please keep an eye on the dates. There are more recent posts which could use your input.

- And this information is incorrect.