How can parental rights be terminated?
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How can parental rights be terminated?
If my ex wants nothing to do with my child, and I want him to have nothing to do with her, can we terminate parental rights? He’s abusive, and I’ve had a no-contact order with him which has been suspended for 2 years now. He only lately started paying child support and is now paying her medical. He has told me in the past, “Girls are only good for sex, if you don’t get caught, and otherwise worthless.” He’s also said he would do anything to get out of paying child support. Is it possible to just terminate his rights?
Asked on April 18, 2011 under Family Law, Idaho
Answers:
MD, Member, California Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 13 years ago | Contributor
Unfortunately, you cannot unilaterally terminate his rights. He would need to be a willing party, court hearings and extensive discussions with counselors will be involved. Depending on the age of the child, the fact he is paying her insurance and paying some child support may be just enough to have the court strike down any request to his parental rights terminated. The court has to weigh many factors and one of them is indeed the safety of the child but the other general component is what is best for the child. If you are seriously considering this issue as a viable option that would be best for your daughter, talk to an attorney and see if that attorney can begin the sensitive task of seeking communication with your daughter's father (directly or through counsel) and figuring out what mindset this person is in regarding termination of parental rights.
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