Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Termination of parental rights

My son's father has not seen him or made contact in over 8 years nor paid any child support. I do not know where he is and have had no contact with him of his family in those 8 years. I would like to know if I can terminate his parental rights and if so, how?

Thank you.


Asked on 12/03/06, 12:29 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Termination of parental rights

Yes, you could file a petition in the Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court to terminate the father's parental rights. Whether, of course, the court would actually terminate his parental rights based upon such a petition would depend upon the evidence presented and the applicable law.

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Answered on 12/03/06, 12:41 am
Fred Kaufman Fredrick S. Kaufman, Esquire

Re: Termination of parental rights

You can petition to divest the father of his pternal rights but you have to have him served with legal process. You must use your best efforts to find him and if you cannot, the Court may approve serving him through publication in a newspaper.

This is a complicated process and you certainly want an experienced lawyer to handle it.

Good luck.

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Answered on 12/04/06, 7:55 am


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