father wants to voluntarily terminate parental rights

[kyleesmom]

My daughters father has never been in her life. He has never paid any child support, not even since the order was issued by the judge. He has two previous children before her that he has full custody of and has remarried and has another due next month. I live in Georgia and he lives in Alabama. He is not on her birth certificate but did waive his right to a paternity test two years ago at the child support hearing. However, now he has claimed he is going to voluntarily terminate his parental rights so he will not have to pay child support because his other children are more important to him than our daughter is. I do not want to allow this because I feel it will unneccessarily subject my daughter to more pain when she is old enough to understand. I also do not think he should be let off so easily of his responsibilities and leave everything to me. How can I prevent him from doing this? Which state would he have to go to court in to do so? If he terminates rights will he also be relieved of his child support obligation to her?

 

[irish223]

In most states, termination of parental rights is not possible unless there is a step-parent willing to adopt. Even in states that allow TPR without step-parent adoption, the court ordered child support is usually not affected. I don't think you have to worry. However, for your own peace of mind, I suggest that you consult an attorney. You may be able to find one that offers a free initial consultation.

 

[Duranie]

He likely cannot do it, so stop listening to him. Unless you are remarried and your husband adopts, the court will not allow him to terminate rights just so he can get out of paying support.

so he cannot do it. Once a termination is done in most cases it stops future child support but he would still owe arrears. Since there will be no subsequent adoption then he cannot terminate rights. He is dreaming.