Q: Is there a difference between having some legal and physical custody and terminating parental rights?
If I have sole legal and physical custody I would still have to file to terminate parental rights? Even if the father has abandoned the kids completely for a long period of time?
A: Yes. Legal and physical custody (timesharing) comes with the partner legal obligation of child support. When parental rights are terminated there may no longer be a financial support obligation. This is an area where you should definitely speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.
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