If you want to end your parental rights, you need court approval.If a judge finds good cause to grant your request, you won't be required to pay child support and there will be no further rights to your child.Unless you want to give up your parental rights because someone else wants to adopt the child, courts won't allow you to sign over your rights as a father.
Step 1: It is a good idea to research your state's law.
You need to meet legal standards in order to get a judge to grant you a petition to end your parental rights.If you wish to have your parental rights terminated, the court must find that it is in the best interests of the child.Judicial discretion is allowed in making the final determination.You cannot give up your parental rights in Kentucky.If you want to sign over your rights as a father in these states, you have to consent to the adoption of the child by a step-parent.If at least one of the factors is present, the state of Missouri may approve a voluntary termination of parental rights.The factors include the child's emotional ties to you, the extent to which you've maintained regular contact and the amount of interest you have in the kid.
Step 2: Talk to the mother of your child.
In many states you can't end your parental rights without the other parent's consent.Even if both parents agree that the child's best interests are paramount, this doesn't mean the court will end your parental rights.Good cause must be found by the judge in order to end the relationship.
Step 3: Consider hiring an attorney.
If you want to have your parental rights terminated, you should look for an attorney who can protect your interests and achieve your desired result.An attorney familiar with the local judges and your area's court procedures can give you an advantage in pursuing your goal of signing over your rights as a father.
Step 4: You need to gather your evidence.
When you draft your petition to the court, you should make copies of any documentation you have that supports your case.The court wants to know if you have good cause to have your parental rights terminated.A desire to end your child support or financial obligation to the child is not considered good cause by any court.If the child is left with only one parent, courts are reluctant to end parental rights.If you have not played a significant role in the child's life, this is a good reason for you to give up your parental rights.
Step 5: The appropriate forms can be found.
If you want to petition the court to give up your parental rights, some states have forms you can fill out.The form may be referred to as a "petition" or "consent form" depending on the jurisdiction.If you file a petition, you are asking the court to end your parental rights, whereas if you fill out a consent form you agree to that.The age of the child and the circumstances under which you're relinquishing your parental rights may affect the form you have to fill out.If you are identified as a possible father of the child, California has a form that you can fill out to give up your parental rights.
Step 6: You have to fill out the forms.
Information about you, your child, and the reason you want to sign over your rights as a father must be included.You will have to create your own petition if your court doesn't have approved forms.You may be able to find a previous petition in the same court that you can use as a guide to ensure your formatting is correct.You have to sign the form in the presence of a public official.Since the court will keep the originals when you file them, you should make at least two copies of your signed forms, one for your own records and the other for the child's mother.
Step 7: The correct court is where you should file your form.
The court that decided your divorce or child custody case is usually the one that has jurisdiction over your case.The juvenile court in Missouri handles the issue of parental rights being terminated.The clerk of your local court can tell you which court to use.When you file your paperwork, the clerk will assign a case number, stamp your documents "filed" with the date, and set a date for your hearing.If you file paperwork requesting that your parental rights be terminated, you still have to pay child support even after that.If the judge grants your request, you can stop paying child support.You will have to pay a filing fee when you file your paperwork.You can expect to pay between $200 and $500.If your petition is filed in conjunction with an adoption, there is no filing fee.If you can't afford the fees, you may be able to get a fee waiver.Ask the clerk questions about your assets and income.You won't have to pay court fees if the judge grants your application.
Step 8: Have the other parent serve.
The other parent needs to be aware that you are asking the court to end your parental rights.You can't serve the papers yourself.For a small fee, you can get a sheriff's deputy or a private process serving company to serve the papers.You may be able to use certified mail.The court may require proof that the other parent has been served.If you need to file your proof before your hearing, ask the clerk if you can bring it with you.
Step 9: You have to appear on your court date.
The judge will dismiss your petition if you don't show up.If the judge decides an attorney needs to be appointed to represent the child and prepare a report detailing their best interests, there may be more than one court hearing.Prepare a statement about your case that you can read to the judge and organize your documents.To find out if you need to let the court know about witnesses you plan to call, check with the clerk.Clean, conservative clothing is what you should be wearing.Although you don't have to wear a suit, you should dress like you are going to a job interview.Arrive early so you have time to find your courtroom.
Step 10: You should present your case.
You have to explain to the court why you want to sign over your rights as a father.You have to show that you have good cause for wanting to end your parental rights and that it would be in the best interests of the child.When it's your turn to speak, speak clearly and loudly, but don't interrupt anyone else.
Step 11: If you have any questions, answer them.
The judge may have more questions for you after you present your case.The judge may want to make sure that your judgement is not impaired, and that you made the decision to have your parental rights terminated of your own volition, rather than being pushed into it by someone else.
Step 12: Receive the judge's order.
The parent-child relationship will end if the judge grants your petition and terminates your parental rights.If you sign over your rights as a father, you will lose access to your child's religion, education, and medical care, as well as the rights you have over the child.You don't have a say over who adopts the child after your parental rights are terminated.