Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Can a father give up parental rights to a child born out of wedlock

I'm married, had an affair and the woman deliberately got pregnant because she wanted a baby before she turned 40 or her mother died. I found out when she was about 6 months pregnant. She already knew I did not want another child and she said she felt the same way. She said she wanted nothing from me. I was basicly a sperm donor. Now she is asking for child support. I never saw the child until I ran into them when he was almost two. For two years or so I have been paying 65.00 per week to her to help with daycare. She has now started to ask for more. I don't have it, Don't want to be a part of the childs life and although I was wrong for cheating on my wife. The other woman deliberately got pregnant and I don't feel I should have to participate in this child's life. And I don't want to. Can I give up my parental rights?


Asked on 10/14/05, 12:29 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Fred Kaufman Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire

Re: Can a father give up parental rights to a child born out of wedlock

Not really. Termination of parental rights might be possible if there was a man ready to adopt the child. People have their rights terminated for abuse and neglect, not because they want to avoid parental responsibility and child suport.

On a moral note - shame on you for blaming a woman for "entrapping" you. You're certainly intelligent enough to know the ramificatons of sexual intercouse. I doubt it was your first experience. This child hardly deserves your scorn and lack of care. You made a child. Be a man and take care of it.

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Answered on 10/14/05, 10:51 pm


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