How do I go about signing away my parental rights?
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How do I go about signing away my parental rights?
It’s in best interest of my children.
Asked on November 23, 2012 under Family Law, Georgia
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
The actual process of giving up one's parental rights is known in most states as "termination", and this can be done voluntarily. However, relinquishing parental rights is not something the courts take likely. As a general rule there must be good cause. Relinquishing such rights as in the case of an adoption is seen in a better light.
Terminating your parental rights relieves you of any obligation to your child from the date of termination forward (although is doubtful that any jurisdiction would relieve you of past support, if any).
However it is because of this financial release that most courts do not like to terminate a parent's rights unless there is someone else who will then step in and take over that parent's child support obligation (e.g. as in the case of adoption).
Since this whole process can get complicated, you really should try to consult directly with a family law attorney in your area as to your specific situation.
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