Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: need to terminate parental rights

Generally the courts are not supportive of terminating parental relationships unless it is for the purpose of adoption. Without the support of the other parent you are unlikely to succeed. The state likes to keep two parents responsible for the support of children, and is not going to release you just because you want out. Child support is not directly related to parental involvement.

Re: need to terminate parental rights

The best way to avoid your responsibility for child support is to have another person adopt your child. In the adoption process, your parental rights and responsibilities will be terminated.

The other way is to be declared an unfit parent, however, this is not going to happen just because you and mom say so. Courts want you to remain financially responsible, in case the state has to lend support to your child, such as if mom files for welfare benefits.

However, you may be able to work something out with mom to enter an agree order of child support that places your support either very low, or completely eliminates it, if the financial circumstances can justify that.