Will I have to pay child support if I give up parental rights?

Full question:

if i give up parental right to an unborn child will i have to pay child support. i think laws very from state to state i am inmaryland and she is from west virginia

  • Category: Paternity
  • Subcategory: Termination of Parental Rights
  • Date:
  • State: Maryland

Answer:

A parent can terminate their parental rights voluntarily or through a court process. Judicial termination requires evidence that the parent is unfit or poses a threat to the child. The court may end the parent-child relationship if it finds clear and convincing evidence of harmful conduct by the parent or if the parent has been convicted of a child abuse offense.

Once parental rights are terminated, the parent loses all rights to custody and visitation, and they are no longer obligated to provide financial support for the child. While termination of parental rights typically ends the obligation for future child support, it does not eliminate responsibility for any past due support. Courts often do not allow relinquishment of parental rights solely to avoid child support payments.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

When a parent gives up parental rights, they lose all legal rights to make decisions about the child's upbringing, including custody and visitation. Additionally, they are typically no longer responsible for future child support payments. However, they may still be liable for any past due support. Courts usually require a valid reason for termination, such as proving that the parent is unfit or that the child is at risk.