I signed over my paternal rignts over 6 motnhs ago, but now the mother refuses to get them finalized....?

Question

I singed over my paternal rights more than 6 motnsh ago to my son's mother and her husband. However, she told me that she isnt going to get them finalized. She said that she wont get them finalized because i still have to pay her child support, but because i signed the papers i dont have any legal rights to our son. But the papers havent been finalized. I tired talking to her lawyer, and he said ieven though they havent been finialized, i still signed them, and now i cant have anything to do with my sonl;. But she still is taking child support money from my pay checks. Is this legal? She is purposly not finalizing the parenatal rights papers just so she can keep getting money from me.

Answer 1

First, congratulations ! Welcome among the poor sods who sign away their rights for nothing.

First, your signing your rights away is significant only if your ex's new husband is willing to formally adopt your son.

Second, even though you did sign away all prerogatives, you can still be held accountable for child support.

If she wants torefuse finalising the thing, talk to your lawyer and see if there's a way you can void the whole thing and get your rights back, then use them as a bargaining chip.

Remember, though, If you spend a whole year with no visit or child support payment, your paternal rights can be voided anyway, but NOTHING in the current state of legislation (short of your dying or getting rid of all assets in the US and moving to a country without extradition agreements) can absolve you from the duty of child support.

Answer 2

I can't feel sorry for anyone who signs away his/her child. Anyhoo, If she doesn't get it finalized, then you will still have to pay or take her to court. But, she is definitely using you. You two are a match made in heaven.