End Child Support Payments

by Cindy from Margate, Florida, Palm Beach County

End Child Support Payments:

Ex-husband looking to end child support payments. For 13 years I have primary custody.

My ex-husband never saw our son when he was supposed to. His social life came first.

After years of this, our son didn't want to see him at all, including that he has a bad temper and an alcohol problem.

Our son is now 14. Last year he took me to court saying I was denying him visitation. The judge did not agree with this, but ordered family counseling between father and son. I agreed with this.

The first session between the two of them my ex husband stormed out of the office because our son said he didn't want to see him. My ex husband told the counselor he "was wasting both of their time" and stormed out.

Now my ex is saying he is going to release his parental rights. I know that the reality is that he doesn't want to pay child support anymore. Can this be done by him?

Answer to Florida Child Support Question

Dear Cindy,

In general an individual may not voluntarily terminate parental rights to avoid paying child support.

In fact, nearly the only way parental rights may be terminated voluntarily is in the case of a family adoption or step-parent adoption -- where someone else is ready and willing to accept financial responsibility for the minor child.


While the Florida courts have a bias and duty to support Shared Parental Responsibility, it is well known that not all parents actually share responsibility. There is far more to rearing children than paying for them.

Notice: We provide these answers to the general public and our website visitors as a means to further their online legal research. These answers are merely suggestions and should not be regarded as legal advice.

If you need legal advice, we recommend LagalMatch's free Lawyer Referral Service. Many lawyers offer free initial consultations. Get the legal advice you deserve.
Free Family Lawyer Referral

Our Self Help Guide, Modifying Child Support in Florida, helps you navigate the court process and procedures once you file your documents with easy to follow checklists, links to websites, important addresses & phone numbers, and much more. Modifying Child Support In Florida

See These Related Florida Child Support Pages

Back to Top
Go to Florida Child Support
Go to Florida Child Support FAQs
Go to Florida Child Support Forms
Back to Stop Child Support FAQs
Go to Modifying Florida Child Support Documents Preparation Service
Back to Florida Court Forms from End Child Support Payments