Parental rights
By Steph38358
@Steph38358 (2)
United States
January 15, 2007 12:31pm CST
I am pregnant and the father of my child has said he doesn't want anything to do with the baby. I am trying to find information on having him sign his parental rights away, because I don't want him around my baby, either. If anyone could help me out with the laws in Tennessee about this kind of thing, I would appreciate it very much.
1 person likes this
2 responses
@sunnypub (2128)
• United States
15 Jan 07
I think you should go to a lawyer. Most lawyers give free consultations and they will be able to answer your questions and help you out. Or you could try Legal Aid. there are lawyers there who help people who can't afford to pay for a lawyer. I definately think that you should enlist thehelp of a lawyer because no matter what you are going to have to file a claim in the courts and the lawyer can make sure it is done correctly so the father can't come back later and say I changed my mind. Where I live if the father decides to sign away rights on his own then the mother can still get child support but if the mother refues to let the father have rights then no child support, so If child support is important to you make sure the father instigates this. Good luck to you.
1 person likes this
@Steph38358 (2)
• United States
15 Jan 07
Thank you for your advice. Does anyone know if I just don't put him on the birth certificate if that will make a difference?
1 person likes this
@artistmel2000 (438)
• United States
23 Feb 07
I have to concur with sunnypub's recommendations. Terminating parental rights (AKA TPR) is a legal process. Without an attorney, you'll be navigating a system that can be difficult and full of loop holes. Good luck to you and your baby.
@danabfunny (100)
• United States
25 Feb 07
My father in-law is a lawyer and I can tell you right now just because you put a man's name on the birth certificate doesn't mean a darn thing.My bf now has a child with another woman and even though he said yes it's mine and she put him on the birth cetificate he still had to take a dna test to prove it was him in order forher to request child support.
Plus even if he signs the birth vertificate he still has to take a dna test to prove so.
Most guys who leave are not willing to it takes a court order to get one of those but as long as he has never taken a dna test it's like he has no children.
@HandKH4602 (326)
• United States
25 Feb 07
If I remember correctly you would have to wait until after the birth of your baby and have a DNA test done, then he can sign his rights over. You should be able to call your local public defender or even some of the local pregnancy centers and explain your situation, they may be able to point you in the right direction.
