Foley, AL asked in Family Law and Child Custody for Alabama

Q: how can I terminate the father’s rights in Alabama?

Child’s father left when I was 7 weeks pregnant and child is almost 3, doesn’t know the father as he hasn’t been around the child. We live in Alabama and he lives in Tennessee, he recently took a trip to Florida but didn’t bother to ask to see our child. Hasn’t had contact in almost 6 months, we had lost contact for a year and got back in contact in July that lasted til October and now it’s been 6 months of no contact and he blames me for him not being able to see her when he doesn’t contact me about the child and was 3 hours from us and didn’t ask to see her. He’s making me out to be the bad guy to the people that know him. He doesn’t pay child support or help with her, and has never helped with her.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Sheila Crumley Field
Sheila Crumley Field
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • ANNISTON, AL
  • Licensed in Alabama

A: Termination of parental rights is different for each county. And your question is confusing. You said first he hasn’t seen the child in three years and further down in the paragraph you state the last contact was six months ago. That’s a big difference when trying to terminate. If he’s seen the child or had any contact in that last six months it will be hard. Most courts won’t terminate until it’s been at least 18 months to two years with no contact. But also does he pay child support? If he doesn’t, that’s a good indicator that he doesn’t care for the child and the court is more likely to terminate. You most likely need to consult with an attorney as this is something you absolutely can’t do on your own. Good luck!

1 user found this answer helpful

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