Q: I have 2 children that I've taken care of solely for 5 of the past 9 years. Unmarried, in Ohio-
The past 4 years , he has sent money but has spoken to the kids maybe 3 times total, lives multiple states away, and has made zero effort to contact the kids himself (he's had their numbers and mailing address). Given the circumstances, would this be considered abandonment and allow termination of rights? He did sign both of their birth certificates.
A: In Ohio, the situation you described might not automatically qualify as legal abandonment in the context of terminating parental rights. While the father's lack of physical presence and minimal communication over several years could be considered factors in a case regarding custody or visitation, termination of parental rights is a more severe action that typically requires showing a clear and willful abandonment of the children or failure to provide for their care and support according to state law requirements. Simply not living in the same state or having limited contact might not meet the legal threshold for abandonment. Additionally, the fact that the father has provided financial support in the past four years could further complicate a claim of abandonment. Termination of parental rights usually requires evidence of a more significant and deliberate neglect of parental responsibilities.
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