QUESTION
Can I give up my maternal rights if there is a step mother in the picture and is there any cost to me?
Asked on Feb 24th, 2013 on Child Custody - Colorado
6 ANSWERS
Family Law Attorney serving Brunswick, GA
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Vincent D. Sowerby
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In Georgia, that will happen only if step-mom wants to adopt.
Answered on Feb 26th, 2013 at 10:01 AM
Appellate Attorney serving Grosse Pointe Farms, MI
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Musilli Brennan Associates, PLLC
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If the step mother is willing to adopt you should ask her to pay for the legal fees and court cost. If you simply give up your rights they will be gone but your support obligation will not be.
Answered on Feb 26th, 2013 at 1:26 AM
John Arthur Smitten
You should consult an attorney.
Answered on Feb 25th, 2013 at 6:19 PM
Under the appropriate circumstances, you can consent for the stepmother to adopt the child/children, and the adoption would essentially terminate any rights/obligations you have to the child/children. There is no cost to you for consenting to the adoption.
Answered on Feb 25th, 2013 at 6:19 PM
Divorce/Family Law Attorney serving Carlsbad, CA
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Anne B. Howard, A Professional Law Corporation
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Depends on the state you are in. You still run a risk that if the step mother doesn't support the child, the child support agency could come after you, so make them hire an attorney for you (separate from their attorney) to protect your rights.
Answered on Feb 25th, 2013 at 6:18 PM
Probate Law Attorney serving Colorado Springs, CO
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John E. Kirchner
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Not unless the step-mother is pursuing a step-parent adoption in which you can consent to termination of your rights.Otherwise, you cannot "give up" your rights voluntarily because that would also terminate your financial obligations for the child and courts do not allow you to do that.
Answered on Feb 25th, 2013 at 6:17 PM