[greatkidsmom]

My sons "sperm doner" has not been a part of his life for over 8 years. Nor do we know where he even is... wondering how I can go about filing abandonment. I am just worried that at any point, if we don't file, he can come back in his life and receive some sort of custody. He is a drug addict and convicted felon and I do not want my son growing up in that lifestyle. He does have a dad now... My husband... but we would like to do the abandonment now and adoption later when we can afford it.

[ScottGem]

Forget it. There is no such thing a filing abandonment charges. What you want to do is terminate his parental rights. While abandonment may be grounds for doing so, its highly unlikely a court would agree to it. Getting an involuntary TPR is extremely difficult. Save your money for the adoption. That will terminate his rights.

[greatkidsmom]

Thank you for your input. Why would it be difficult to do? And what is TPR? Thanks !

[ScottGem]

TPR is Termination of Parental Rights. And it would be difficult because courts are generally very reluctant to grant a TPR. Generally they are granted in 2 circumstances; to pave the way for an adoption or because the parent represents a danger to the child. While the latter may be the case in your situation, since he's not trying to be part of your child's life and since there may be a rehabilitation, the courts would not grant a TPR unless he's trying to be part of your child's life.

So save your money for the adoption.