Lancaster, SC asked in Family Law, Adoption and Child Custody for South Carolina

Q: My soon to be 4 yr old son's biological father has never been present in his life. He didnt sign the birth certificate.

But he does pay child support only when his freedom is in jeopardy. My son doesnt know him let alone as his father. My fiance however wants to legally adopt him place his name on the birth certificate and give my son his last name. This is the man my son knows as daddy. How do i go about getting the biological father's rights taken?

1 Lawyer Answer
Cheryl Ann Truesdale
Cheryl Ann Truesdale
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Greenville, SC
  • Licensed in South Carolina

A: The father may be willing to sign a consent to relinquish his parental rights in turn for the dismissal of his child support obligation. Alternatively, the grounds to terminate parental rights is if the father has failed to visit or support the child for six months, but the failure to visit or support cannot be because you prevented visitation or support. You will need a lawyer to help you with a consent or a termination.

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