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My daughter's father has not been part of her life for the past 2 years, and has expressed to my mom that he has no problem with signing over his parental rights and giving me full guardianship. However, I have not talked to him in over a year, because our relationship ended badly,and he now lives in a different state. Does anyone have any experience with this, or have any idea how I get the process started?I've been putting it off, but realize the sooner I get it done, the better. Any information or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!
<SueP>
Posted
Does he pay you childsupport? I think you give that up if he signs over rights. I also think it isn't as easy as it sounds, the courts could fight him on it. I'd be worried it could backfire on you.... but I'm paranoid with this kind of stuff. I know people have some experience and knowledge with this here so I'm sure you will get some good solid advice here soon!
<Don>
Posted
It's true, that's not necessarily going to be easy. The judge may not let him sign away all rights without there being someone else to take on those rights/responsibility like say a step dad ready to adopt.
<CA>
Posted
KK'smom, :welcome:
Ae you talking about sole custody or signing over parental rights?
If it is parental rights, then it really is not taken lightly by the courts. They will take into consideration child support and whether or not the government will ever have to pick up costs (via assistance) to support his child.
I do know that much but, do not have any other infomation. I hope someone else here can give you or direct you to more info.
<goodgollymissmolly>
Posted
quote:
Originally posted by K_2004: [qb] My daughter's father has not been part of her life for the past 2 years, and has expressed to my mom that he has no problem with signing over his parental rights and giving me full guardianship. However, I have not talked to him in over a year, because our relationship ended badly,and he now lives in a different state. Does anyone have any experience with this, or have any idea how I get the process started?I've been putting it off, but realize the sooner I get it done, the better. Any information or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks! [/qb]
<goodgollymissmolly>
Posted
As far as I know, he can grant you sole custody and still be required to make child support payments. If he's not already paying, you should settle the custody issue first. Get it on paper that you have the rights to make all of the major decisions in your child's life, and THEN see if you can get court ordered child support, that way he doesn't try to take away some of your rights just to spite you for making him pay. There should be a CSE (Child Support Enforcemtn) Agency near where you live, associated with SRS. CSE does not deal with custody, but if you contact your local SRS they can probably give you some info on finding low ocst legal services, and then tack the cost of the lawyer onto the amount of back child support he pays.
quote:
Originally posted by K_2004: [qb] My daughter's father has not been part of her life for the past 2 years, and has expressed to my mom that he has no problem with signing over his parental rights and giving me full guardianship. However, I have not talked to him in over a year, because our relationship ended badly,and he now lives in a different state. Does anyone have any experience with this, or have any idea how I get the process started?I've been putting it off, but realize the sooner I get it done, the better. Any information or feedback would be appreciated. Thanks! [/qb]
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