Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Can a father give up his parental rights just so he doesn't have to pay child support?


Asked on 6/10/11, 11:40 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Yes, but only so long as there is someone willing to adopt the child and thus take over that financial responsibility. Otherwise, no, you can't just unload children because you don't feel like paying for them anymore. That's because of the public policy that the state is not going to take over care and the costs associated with feeding, clothing, and providing shelter to all the state's unwanted children. The state can never impart love, safety, and emotional nurturing kids need either, which reinforces the rational behind the public policy that kids need parents to not only financially provide, but emotionally as well.

So, if a father wants to get out of the financial obligation, he can do so, provided there is someone else willing to step in his place and adopt the child as their own.

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Answered on 6/10/11, 11:49 am


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