Q: Do I need an attorney if father is willing to sign paternity acknowledgement and termination of rights?
Birth father has no interest in being in child's life or legally tied to child. State informed me I must cooperate with child support to maintain medical benefits for child. I am cooperating to the fullest. Paternal grandmother has informed me father is willing to sign papers. Will this affect my child's eligibility for government assistance? And will this effect adoption procedures after my Fiance and I are married?
A:
If you allow the birth father to voluntarily surrender his parental rights, IT WILL affect your government benefits. The State is not in agreement with you letting dad off the hook in order t leave the state on the hook. Once you are married, your fiancee can do a step-parent adoption and termination of the birth father's rights. This will not affect your government rights because you have replaced the father and not left the state on the hook. Definitely consult with an attorney prior to doing any termination of rights.
Good luck!
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