Legal Question in Family Law in Minnesota

Termination of a father's rights

Five years ago I found out my ex husband was sexually abusing our daughter. I agreed to let him plead to a lesser charge in exchange for him terminating his parental rights to my children. When it came time for the case to be heard, I was informed that it could not be done, for as they told me, he was forced to agree to it. In 5 years, he has not seen my children, not paid a penny of their support, purchased them any items nor spoken to them. I have been their soul support. What rights do my children and I have? I want to change their last names to completely remove all evidence of him from our lives, but I can't even do that without asking him first, since he still has rights to them. It just doesn't seem fair, what can I do? Do we have rights?


Asked on 12/15/02, 1:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jason Kohlmeyer Manahan, Bluth & Kohlmeyer

Re: Termination of a father's rights

First, you should understand that while the prosecutor may have asked you your thoughts on sentencing, he or she didn�t need your permission for anything. So, you didn�t actually enter into an agreement with your husband. As for having him terminated, you need to bring a separate motion and have a hearing on the termination of parental rights. You need a lawyer to do this.

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Answered on 12/15/02, 4:13 pm


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