How Can A Man Give Up His Rights As A Father??

Question

Okay...I saw a question that was related to this subject, but it was a more generalized answer. I'm searching for an answer that is more relevant to my situation.

I have a 7 month old daughter, whom her father has never seen!! We have a court date to establish paternity. This guy left my state of Illinois, while I was pregnant and got married. I just found out thathe's married and he now has a child with his wife and she claims that he wants nothing to do with my daughter and that he wants to sign over his rights. I'm almost positive that he can't do this, because if it were that easy to get out of the responsibility of paying child support....there wouldn't be as many men getting their taxes offset, or checks garnished.:) But...I would to get as much information about this as I can.

Answer 1

I dont think he can just sign away his rights. Not unless you are married and your new husband wants to adopt your daughter. Then he could. I know that because I am trying to get in contact with my ex to see if he will voluntarily sign his rights away so my husband can adopt my son. My ex hasnt seen my son in over 2 years or spoken to him in almost 1 year. He left the state me and my son were living in and even signed a legal form agreeing to let my son move to Germany with me and my husband, fiance' at the time. I havent received my court ordered amount of child support in over 1 year and havent seen a penny in 5 months.

Answer 2

Parental rights can be taken away (ie by the courts if he was abusive, or deemed unfit), and they can be signed off on, as for adoption (if you met a nice guy who wanted to adopt your daughter, your ex could sign away his rights so your new husband could adopt her).

I'd contact a lawyer -- it seems like the guy is just trying to get away with not paying child supoort, which he cannot do -- unless you have someone ready to adopt your daughter, or he is taken to court by child services for abuse, etc. he can't do what he is trying to do.

I'd get a lawyer -- even a free one through gov't assistance, so he cannot push you around or try to neglect his financial obligations

Just a note -- if you are looking for 'free' legal advice, you can go to http://www.freeadvice.com and click on forums.  They have different sections, wherein there are those with legal backgrounds or who have been through similar situations, giving advice as to how to proceed/what can and cannot be done.  perhaps if you re-ask this over there, someone can give you better insight, specific to your state and details.

Best of luck to you -- I am so sorry to hear that your ex is trying to neglect his own daughter this way, it is simply not right, and I hope that you find the recourse best fitting the situation.