Legal Question in Family Law in Oklahoma

Taking Away Father's Rights

My ex-boyfriend and I have a 5 month old child together, and I feel that it is in the best interest of the baby that his father no longer have rights to him. This guy is abusive(I haven't pressed charges because I'm scared he'll come after me when he gets out of jail), has a record for doing drugs, and doesn't pay child support. I believe, but am not sure, that since we weren't married when the baby was born that I already have full custody. How do I go about stripping all of his father's rights? What do the courts look for in a case like this? Is it easier to just have him taken off the birth certificate?


Asked on 11/20/06, 4:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steve Chlouber Fuller, Chlouber & Frizzell, L.L.P.

Re: Taking Away Father's Rights

You are correct that without a court order in place and with the child born out of wedlock, you have custody by law. Either he or you would need to file a Petition for Paternity to establish visitation, or lack thereof. You can move to terminate parental rights but only under certain limited specific circumstances. You also can establish a child support order through Oklahoma Child Support Enforcement.

Read more
Answered on 11/20/06, 11:33 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Oklahoma