Legal Question in Juvenile Dependency in California

relinquishment of paternal rights

my daughter was born 1-8-04 with fetal alcohol syndrome; unbeknownst to me the mother was engaging in horrid behavior during pregnancy. i wasn't advised until three months after her birth i could relinquish my rights. the d.a. told me i had to sign a five-page document to do so. then, santa clara county social worker's department, who gave me BAD legal advice to begin with, told me i could no longer relinquish my rights. first, i need to know if i can relinquish my rights voluntarily. second, i desperately need to know how. please help.


Asked on 4/16/04, 8:37 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Stone Law Offices of Michael B. Stone Toll Free 1-855-USE-MIKE

Re: relinquishment of paternal rights

Do not take legal advice from the DA and especially not from a county social worker. If there is a dependency court case open, you have the right to a court appointed attorney. In any event, consult an attorney. It is always a bad idea to rely on advice from an adverse party or their attorney.

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Answered on 4/16/04, 9:49 pm


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