questions & answers

Question: My child's mother did not put me on the birth certificate. I have had a hostile relationship with her and was forced to give 100% of my paycheck just to see my daughter the first 3 years, leaving me with no room to pay legal fees to establish paternity and support. She also has not filed for support. I have not been in contact with the mother in 3 years nor has she been in contact with me. At this point, I would like to sever my parental rights even though I am not legally established as the father so I can move on with my life. Is this possible?

Answer: For assistance with your specific situation, consult with a licensed attorney. If you are not legally recognized as the father of the child, you may not have any legal parenting rights to sever. Severance of parental rights voluntarily is typically referred to as relinquishing parenting rights. If you consent to giving up your parental right you would need to fill out a consent form and provide it to the individual (or their attorney) that asked you to relinquish your rights. If the mother hasn’t asked you to give up these rights, and you’re not in contact with her this may be difficult. For the full text of the law relating to termination of parental rights, visit (see Chapter 4, Article 5): http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ArizonaRevisedStatutes.asp?Title=8