Legal Question in Family Law in Australia

Re: relinquishing parental rights

It can be done but it is a bit tricky.

If he signs Family Court Consent Orders relinquishing parental responsibility, Family Court can still refuse to make these orders (despite parties agreeing to them - because they may not be in the best interests of the child). Also he can always re-apply after the orders made because there are changed circumstances.

To stop paying child support, both parties can execute a Child Support Agreement - but this must be approved by CSA (which may not happen if it involves a nil amount, and you are receiving benefits from Centrelink).

If a Child Support Agreement is made - very hard to set it aside if he doesn't stick to his part of the bargain - namely he re-applies to Court for parental rights on the grounds of changed circumstances.

There are however - other ways to deal with this problem - Have Child Support do an Assessment, but then have private collection (ie, CSA not collect for you). Then you have a non-legal "gentleman's agreement" not to have CSA collect/ and not for you to privately collect child support - so long as he stays away from you and child.

That would probably be how I would handle it.