Legal Question in Family Law in Kansas

Child Support Changes

I am divorced with 2 children from that marriage. I am now remarried and have a new son. My ex-wife is also remarried with a new child. I was ordered to pay 500 dollars a month for support of my other 2 kids. At that time I was making approximatly 10 thousand more a year than I am now. My ex-wife and I decided it would be best if I had no more contact with the children because they have a new family now, she also talked about changing their last name to match her new last name. It has not been done legally yet, though. Is it possible to give up my rights as their father or at least change the amount of support that I am required to pay? My current support payments cause a large financial stress on my family. I make approximatly 1300 a month minus the 500 support payment. Leaving me with only 800 to live on. What are my options? Can I sign over all parental rights without her consent? I also am responsible for all medical and dental insurance for them.


Asked on 4/12/04, 12:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Phillip A. Strickland Law Offices

Re: Child Support Changes

I would appear that you have legitimate grounds for a downward modification of the current child support order. As for the issue of termination--that's much more complicated and difficult to judge from the facts given. The children don't appear neglected or deprived; it also doesn't appear that you are unable, albeit with difficulty,to provide for them as you are obligated to do by the current order; and you don't otherwise appear to be unfit as a parent. You also might have a difficult time explaining how a termination would be in your children's best interest--unless it was perhaps in the context of an adoption. Best of luck.

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Answered on 4/12/04, 1:46 pm


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