Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia
Terminating Parental Rights
Can a father voluntarily terminate his rights to a child? The mother has full custody of children, the father has visitation only. Unfortunately, the mother drags him into court every few months for more money, placing large burden on his family (wife and child). Father is not a dead beat, mother just bitter and trying to make life difficult. When the mother became pregnant, father asked for child to be placed for adoption, but she disagreed. If rights terminated, is he still required to pay support?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Terminating Parental Rights
If the father's parental rights are terminated, which he can do voluntarily, he would no longer be required to pay future support but, nevertheless, would still be liable for any unpaid arrearages.
However, a cautionary note is advisable here,
that such voluntary terminations of parental rights can be a source of remorse later on for the parent who actually carries one out and consternation and anger for the child who is the subject of such an action---particularly, when the major reason appears, merely, to avoid having to pay child support.
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