Forms for Terminating Paternity Rights

There are different ways in which a father can have his paternal rights terminated. For instance, if abuse is suspected and later proven, the courts can decide to terminate these rights, forcing the father to fill out the necessary forms. In adoption cases, both the father and mother have to relinquish their parental rights via the courts.

Different States have Different Laws

One aspect about filling out the forms for terminating paternity rights depends where the child lives rather than the father. The father would have to fill out the necessary forms in the state where the child is currently residing since these are the laws that apply to parental rights. This is often a voluntary process, which makes it easier, as is the case when the child is being adopted. Sometimes via a court proceeding, the mother has proven the father unfit and the court can force termination of his parental rights.

The forms necessary to complete are normally available at the family courts in the county in which the child lives. These forms need to be filled out completely and returned in a timely manner, depending on the circumstances.

Grounds that the Family Courts can Use to Terminate Paternal Rights

In some states, the family courts can make the decision when to terminate paternity rights. A few reasons include, abandoning the child, abuse, does not provide any child support, serious criminal activity, or the father has mental illness that makes the situation dangerous for the child. There are many other aspects where the court makes the decision to terminate rights. If the father cannot be found, the courts file the necessary paperwork and forms needed for child abandonment.