Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

Re: Signing off rights if unable to Pay Support

I must assume from your question that you are asking whether your "visitation" or "temporary custody" rights can be effected as a result of your inability to make child support payments ordered by a court. Generally speaking, the answer is "No." If you have court ordered rights regarding your children, you do not forfeit those rights by a failure to pay child support. Similarly, if the custodial parent refuses to alow you to see your children, YOU STILL OWE CHILD SUPPORT. However, there are cases where the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support, fails to make any effort to see the children, and is held by a court to have abandoned the children, resulting in a termination of parental rights. If you are under a child support order which you can not meet, then it may be advisable to seek a modification of that order so you can begin to improve the situation. Spending some money for competent legal advice and service may in the long run save you a great deal of money, time and trouble. I would strongly suggest that you speak with an experienced family law attorney in your area concerning your legal needs. If you are not already represented by legal counsel, and you are located in my area, you may call me for a free telphone consultation at 314-727-2822.