Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan
I have a child with a woman about 4.5 months ago. I have not seen the child since then and choose not to. The mother of the child and I do not get a long at all. I am looking to either pay as little child support as possible or I have heard of "willful abandonment of a child." I was under the impression that if you have not seen the child within 6 months to one year that the parental rights can be terminated and so will child support if you file for this, under willful abandonment of a child.
Does this result in any fines or penalties?
Am I responsible for anything if I go through with this?
How would I go through with willful child abandonment if it is a legal way of doing things?
I live in Michigan.
2 Answers from Attorneys
I'm very sorry that you're choosing to deprive your child of a father because you don't get along with the mother. Very sad.
Terminating your parental rights would be at the discretion of a judge. Many judges, including those in Midland, might refuse to do so. Likewise, the judges often do not end the child support obligation even when parental rights are terminated.
Best advice is to "man up", be a father to your child and help support your child.
Patental rights are different than parental obligations. Your obligation to support a child that you created will not end simply because your parental rights are terminated. Also, I have never heard of a parent petitioning the court alleging they have abandoned their child. Usually parents are ashamed of that or contest it. Like my colleague, I find it appalling and shameful that you wish to find a way to stay out of your child's life and fail to help support him. Your child has to eat too you know.
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