Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio
Termination of Parental Rights
I would like to know how to go about terminating my parental rights. I am currently paying child support but haven't seen my daughter in over a year. I haven't talked to her in over six months and then it was only for five minutes. Her mother refuses to let me have contact with her because I got married. She has also went so far as to tell my daughter that I am dead. I live in S.C. and they reside in Ohio. I wdon't want to abandon my daughter but I don't have any contact with her right now. I think it would be easier for all if iterminate my parental rights. I mean I don't hav any now and she is still getting child support. I would really appreciate any help in this matter.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Termination of Parental Rights
The courts won't permit a child to suffer because the parents are feuding or fighting. This happens more often than not. You will have to change other circumstances beside child support. You will probably have to file a motion claiming parental alienation from your child to stop the conduct.
Re: Termination of Parental Rights
The Court in SC will not allow someone to terminate their parental rights just because they wish to do so. In fact, the only chance you would have in getting your rights terminated would be if someone else was looking to adopt the child.
Your remedy for the mother's efforts to alienate you from the child would be to either (a) bring a contempt action against her and/or (b) bring an action for custody yourself.
If you need more information, you can visit my family law blog (www.SCFamilyLaw.com) or our website (www.StevensFirm.com). I wish you the best of luck.
Ben Stevens