Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
“My ex husband has had no interaction with our minor child and lacks the finances to pay support, so he has asked to terminate his parental rights so that my new husband whom has taken care of my daughter since she was born can adopt her, my question is this : Can I write this paperwork up myself or do I need to hire an attorney to do this for me? Also, in either case, he has not paid support in almost year and I would ask that the arrearages be dropped so that we may just move on with our lives, is this possible or will he have to pay arrearages before terminating his rights?”You are at your option to be your own attorney in a family law or juvenile action in most states. It is usually not recommended because the attorney is usually familiar with the proper paperwork and can navigate you through treacherous waters if there is a problem. That being said, many of the necessary forms are on line and you are at your option to try to figure out what you need to do.
Question: Ex will still be on the hook for the arrearages. You are also at your option to choose to not seek payment for (enforce) those amounts.
