Voluntarily Terminate Parental Rights

by Jessica from Orlando, Florida, Orange County

Voluntarily Terminate Parental Rights: What forms do I need for voluntary termination of parental rights? I have an 8yr old daughter whom I have been taking care of and supporting for since she was born. Her father left us when she was about 3 months old and has not been back since.



He is however on the birth certificate so she has his last name. I recently came in contact with him and he has agreed to grant sole custody of our daughter to me and terminate his parental rights.

We were never married, so we wanted to know what forms do I need for him to sign so I can submit them to the court. I live in Orlando and he lives in Miami.

Answer to Florida Court Forms Question

Dear Jessica,

Florida judges do not grant a voluntary termination of parental rights unless there are extreme circumstances or there is someone in the wings ready to adopt.

The extreme circumstances can be if the parent is in prison for a long time; is a habitual offender; or is addicted to an illegal substance or alcohol.

Someday you might want to collect child support from your ex to help you support your daughter.

It is an easy way out for him to simply terminate his parental rights, and be on his way. For all practical purposes you already have sole custody.

And if your ex has not asserted his parental rights he likely has very few anyway. It is not up to him to agree to grant sole custody to you; or to terminate his parental rights.

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