Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Revoking Parental Rights

I have a 18 month old daughter to my ex-boyfriend. I have not done anything through the courts to formalize my custody but he has not seen her since Nov. 2002. He has not paid any money for her care. When she was first born we were together but he is a on and off again drug addict battling heroin use. He has been in 2 rehabs since Sept. of 2002 and is currently facing felony charges. This is the reason my daughter has not seen him. For a while I had not heard from him at all. He came back to MD in Feb. of course saying he was straight wanting to see her. He calls now about once or twice every couple of weeks and still does not pay for her. I have married another man who is the man my daughter calls daddy. Is there anyway a court would revot my daughters bio-fathers rights? I am worried that if something happened to me that she would go to him and not stay with the family she knows and loves. I also am worried about how my ex's situation would effect the safe development of my daughter. My husband would also like to adopt my daughter. Would this ever be possible if her bio-father contests its?


Asked on 7/10/03, 3:57 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: Revoking Parental Rights

Courts are reluctant to take away parental rights over the objection of a biological parent, but you present a strong case for attempting it. Your husband can file a petition for adoption and you will see if the father challenges it. If you're really serious about this, I strongly recommend that you retain an experienced family law attorney, especially one who has handled adoption cases before.

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Answered on 7/11/03, 3:50 pm


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