Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
termination of parental rights
My child was conceived via donor sperm and I was divorced from my husband of that time when the baby was 1 year old. The ex has been in & out of jail for DUI & breaking probation. Also charged with animal neglect & cruelty, and stealing license plates. He has not been a consistant part of my now 8 year old child's life. Suddenly he is demanding visitation at the request of his new wife. he pays child support because his wages are attached. He is emotionally abusive, harasses me, and continues to drink alcohol in the presence of the child. I would like to have his parental rights relinquished as I feel it is in the best interest of the child. My ex is also a compuslive/pathological liar, a manipulator, and ''control freak.'' I also worry about my child's safety and once had Children & Youth interview my child for suspision of sexual abuse at age 2. I want this man's rights terminated. My ex lives in PA and I live in MD and have full physical custody & shared legal custody currently.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: termination of parental rights
Visitation occurs where a father has openly accepted a child as his own despite the true father (i.e., DNA testing.) Where a custody dispute is involved the court will determine visitation. You should speak with an attorney as to whether you or the father want to bring forth a modification proceeding. Contact me to discuss.
Re: termination of parental rights
You will have to file a court petition to terminate the father's visitation. Courts are reluctant to do this, so you will have to show that visitation is harmful to your child. You will want to engage an experienced family attorney who knows how to present these cases if you are serious about this.
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