Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Giving up parental rights

A close friend of mine has a daughter with a one night stand. He currently is paying child support but does not get to see his daughter (going on 6 months now). The mother refuses to let him see her and says that he should just sign over his rights. He wants to be a part of his daughters life but the mother will not let it happen. When he was getting to see her the mother would say bad things to her about him and she would get scared when he would get her. If he does sign over his parental rights will he still have to pay child support?


Asked on 7/06/08, 6:52 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alicia Santana Torres Santana Torres Law Offices, PL

Re: Giving up parental rights

If his parental rights are terminated by adoption or court order, he will no longer have to pay child support. However, if he wants to see his child, he can petition the court for a visitation schedule as the mother has no right to deny him access. If the mother is in fact making the child fear the father, the mother could even lose custody herself. Florida courts are now employing a time sharing standard rather than a custody model. If he increases his custody, his support obligation may decrease.

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Answered on 7/07/08, 9:45 am


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