Q: Can I file to termination non custodial parents rights after 6 months of no contact or visits?
Father started seeing our daughter at 4 years of age, court ordered, after I filed for child support. She is now almost 6 years old and he hasn’t seen her in 6 months now, but he still pays support. He doesn’t seem interested in her well being or her education, until he’s in front of the court. He smoked weed around her and was high while driving to drop her off the week before the last week of seeing her. I called the cops and had her checked out that same day. They couldn’t do much, but recommended I call CPS, which I did. I love my daughter so much, and unlike some, I really want her to thrive and grow up to be a strong, loving, caring, independent and well educated young woman. She has a wonderful relationship with my spouse who has been a part of her life for the last 2 plus years who wants for her what a father should want for their child. I need to know what I can do as a parent, considering this isn’t the first time he’s gone without seeing her.
A: You may have difficulty terminating his parental rights, but have you thought about a step-parent adoption? Your ex may be inclined to voluntarily terminate his rights (and support obligation) in place of your spouse.
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