Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Terminating parental rights to stop paying child support

If it were possible to stop paying child support by terminating one�s parental rights, many non-custodial parents would line up to do that. There is no way to terminate parental rights to avoid a child support obligation, unless and until someone else is willing to take over the obligation to support the child (e.g., adoption).

On your second point � terminating the grandparents� guardianship and obtaining custody in yourself � it can be done, but I cannot foresee how a lay person could accomplish it. Contested child custody matters are difficult and oft-times complex. You really need an experienced lawyer to succeed.

Re: termination of parental rights

Following on from the prior response. Most courts do supply indigent parties with lists of attorneys that work very cheaply or some for free. Contact the court. If you wish to take back your children, the court will look to the best interests of the child. But that is up to you to prove. In other words, you must step up to the plate, not your children. If you wish to talk to somebody about your situation, you may wish to contact a counselor - St Vincent DePaul can help you find a counsellor.