How to Give Up Paternal Rights
There are certain situations where a father wishes to give up his parental rights. The most common reason is so that a child can be adopted by a step-father or another party. When a father wishes to give up his paternal rights voluntarily, he must follow a certain process to do so.
- Begin by contacting the local courthouse. The court clerk will be able to provide you with information regarding the process of relinquishing your paternal rights. While the exact process varies between jurisdictions, most states require some form of counseling and give fathers the chance to revoke their decision within a specified time frame. In some states, a request to give up parental rights must be heard before a jury. In others, the request is handled through a special agency. Your local court clerk can provide you with all of the information you need on the exact process.
- Learn your exact rights and responsibilities. Again, these vary between states. You should have a clear understanding of your rights and responsibilities in regard to your child before you legally give up your paternal rights.
- Complete the required paperwork. The court clerk will provide you with copies of the paperwork that must be completed. You will be required to sign the paperwork in the presence of two witnesses to confirm that you were not coerced into your decision.
- If your state requires that you attend a hearing as part of the process of giving up your paternal rights, be sure that you attend. The court will provide you with the date and time of your hearing. Be prepared. In some cases, your request to relinquish your paternal rights can be denied.