How to Sign Off Rights to a Child
Signing away parental rights to a child can be a painful and gut-wrenching experience. The legal process requires a formal filing and an appearance before a judge. Beyond this, the person attempting to terminate his parental rights must deal with the emotional and psychological effects of such a decision. State laws are set up to protect the best interest of the child. In other words, a natural parent cannot sign away his parent rights at any time for any reason. If a natural parent's reasons for terminating her parental rights are not in the best interest of the child or recognized under the law, a judge will most likely deny her request.
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Instructions
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Contact the county clerk and inquire about parental rights laws in your state. State code regarding the termination of parental rights varies significantly from state to state. Go to the county courthouse and inquire about parental termination laws or search online by going to your state's official legislative website.
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Fill out a termination of parental rights petition, which is available at the county courthouse. Enter your legal name, Social Security number and physical address, and declare a "just cause" for the termination of your parental rights. A "just cause" is a legally recognized justification for the termination of parental rights. "Adoption," "mental incapacity due to drug use," and "extreme disinterest" are examples. Sign and date the petition.
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File your case with the county clerk, who will issue a case number and hearing date. A judge will hear your case on that date and make a ruling.
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Appear at your final hearing and represent yourself in a court of law. Alternatively, hire an experienced family law attorney -- licensed in the state where the child resides -- and permit him to argue your case before the judge assigned to your case.
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Present the facts of your case, including supporting documents. Medical records, police reports, letters from medical professionals including psychiatrists and other notarized documents are examples. Enter the documents into evidence and argue your case.
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Tips & Warnings
Take the time to really consider the emotional ramifications of ending a relationship with a child.
It is beyond rare for a judge to terminate parental rights because a natural parent is experiencing financial hardships and wants to eliminate child support payments.
