“After nine years my daughter’s father has decided he no longer want to be a part of her life. He has requested to terminate his rights in exchange for no child support. From what I understand if his rights are terminated he is not responsible to pay child support. How often do courts terminate parental rights? I feel if he doesn?t want any contact with her that?s fine but he should still be financially responsible for her.”

He can likely give up his rights (or stop exercising them), but not his responsibilities. Even if he wants to be out of your daughter’s life, he’ll still have to pay support unless someone else adopts. He can’t, through unilateral action, terminate your daughter’s right to be supported by both of her parents.


Michael Durgavich is an accomplished attorney and mediator. Maintaining a general practice in the San Jose, California area, Mr. Durgavich specializes in family law, bankruptcy, and alternative dispute resolution. Mr. Durgavich can be reached through his website at http://www.MichaelDurgavich.com. Contact This Author

State laws vary, and the above is intended as general advice, and not direct legal advice regarding any one particular situation in any one state. For direct personal legal advice related to your own situation you should consult an attorney familiar with the laws of your state and with your situation.