Sole Custody & Removal of Parental Rights

by Abandoned from Florida

Sole Custody & Removal of Parental Rights:
Im a single mother of my 3 yr old son, whos father left just before his 1st birthday without a word/goodbye/anything.

He has never called, written, made any attempt in any way to contact me, any of my family, nor especially my son.

No one in his family has heard from him since before he left us as they no longer speak to him either so they have no idea where he is.

He doesnt pay child support (obviously) but I dont want it anyways. How do I remove his parental rights if I do not know where to find him?

Answer to Florida Court Forms Child Custody Question

Dear Abandoned,

In Florida, there is usually no way to terminate parental rights unless there is a pending adoption. From what you wrote, it sounds like you were not married to your ex; in which case, and in light of his actions, he has very few paternal rights anyway.

If you were married to him, and you were to remarry and your new husband wanted to adopt your son, you could file a Joint Petition for Step-parent Adoption.

If at that time you did not know the whereabouts of your ex you could serve him through constructive service, which means to advertise your intention of taking legal action.

There are specific ways that constructive service must be carried out, such as where and how to advertise.

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.

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Our Self Help Guide, Modifying Custody & Visitation 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 Custody & Visitation In Florida

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