No, in order to terminate someone's parental rights you have to obtain an order from the court. Which means you must file the proper action, have the defendant served, and appear before the court and plead your case.

Terminating your parental rights will not terminate a child support order, nor will it relieve you of the financial responsibility of paying child support. It will simply mean you have no access to the child and no relationship.

You need an attorney, that is my advice. A attorney that can get temporary matters in place so that you have your household expenses taken care of while your divorce is pending. Because until you get a temporary order, he could stop paying all the bills and there would be nothing you could do... View More

There is no meet and confer requirement when no responses have been served at all. There is a difference between filing a motion to compel and filing a motion to compel further responses. With an initial motion to compel, when no responses have been served at all, there is no meet and confer... View More

Not easily; And I'm sorry to hear the circumstances, which must be hard to see as a loving grandmother.

Unless and until the mother's parental rights are suspended or terminated, you have no real leg to stand on. I take it from the tone of your question that you do not have a... View More

You need to make sure your address and other contact information is immediately updated with the court, with the mother, and with the state child support disbursement unit.

I strongly recommend that you make sure your child support payment history is accurate and shows that you have been... View More

If you were to file for divorce, you could ask for temporary spousal support to help pay bills similar to what is going on now. I am not sure how long you have been married, so I am not sure if spousal maintenance after the divorce is on the table. If you have been married longer than 10 years,... View More

If he does not appear to exercise his visitation you cannot force him. Therefore, it is likely you will have to keep the child. I would review your court order. This forum is for questions regarding people who haven't been to court and don't know how to address an issue, not those who... View More

We cannot see the actual wording of your document so we cannot answer your questions about what it means. I would suggest consulting your previous attorney or if you represented yourself, a new attorney who can review the document and advise you properly.

Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Act, Texas becomes the "home state" of the child once the child has resided in Texas for six months. If your child has resided in Texas for at lease six months, you can simply file a motion to modify in a district court with family law... View More

Carefully read through your current custody agreement or parenting plan. It may already include provisions regarding transportation responsibilities. Speak with the other parent to discuss and negotiate transportation arrangements. Sometimes, an amicable agreement can be reached without going to... View More

Vald service of process doesn't depend on whether the person the process server hands the summons to agrees to accept it. If the process server gave the summons to the person who answered the door, and the defendant's residence, the defendant has been served. You shouldn't be asked... View More

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answered on Jul 26, 2024

In California, both parents with joint custody have the right to participate in significant decisions affecting their child’s welfare, including potty training. Since you share 50/50 custody, your ex-partner should have consulted you before starting potty training. You can emphasize to the... View More

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answered on Jul 25, 2024

In California, as a stepmother, you can help your husband make medical and dental appointments for his daughter if he gives you permission to do so. Given that he has shared legal and physical custody, he is allowed to make these decisions, and you can assist him with tasks like scheduling... View More

I'm sure a standing order went into effect when the case was filed that would prohibit you from moving the children out of the jurisdiction while the case is pending. You can move to FL but likely cannot take the children with you. Hire an attorney.

It is highly unlikely the Court is now going to disregard the GAL, even though an agreement has been reached. The Court is likely going to consider the GAL's findings and recommendation as well as any agreement you all have now reached and determine what the final order is going to be. They... View More

You may file a motion to modify the custody arrangement if there are significant concerns about the children’s safety. Document everything your children have told you, including dates, times, locations, and specific details of the alleged incidents. If there are any witnesses or additional... View More

Were you married in New York? Based upon your answer there are several jurisdictional and service issues that will likely require you to hire a lawyer to help consult with on the best state, county, and court to file in, and how to properly serve your husband either personally, or with alternative... View More

Typically, you would need to locate an attorney who practices in the area of family law in or near the county where your children reside and a reasonable initial retainer of $15-25,000 if you and the other parent have not reached an agreement on child support and a parenting plan.

If a divorce was granted without proper service of process, you have only four years from the date of the divorce decree to file what is called a bill of review to challenge the decree. Particularly when you mention things like child custody and child support, most people would learn of the... View More