Anyone know anything about terminating parental rights in Ohio?

Question

My son is 9, his biological father makes no attempt to be part of his life. He may see him by chance once a year. He currently lives 10 minutes away and it is local to call--still nothing. My husband and I have been together since my son was 9 months old, married for 3 1/2 years of that time. My son calls him "Dad" by choice. My husband has become financially responsible for my son, we do not rely on child support--only recieved a few times a year. I don't think his biological father would care to terminate as he has 2 other children and only cares for 1 of 3.

Does anyone know what actions need to be taken to get the process started and how much it may cost?

Answer 1

I don't live in Ohio, so I can't give specific advice, but my daughter has dealt with this so I can give some general advice. First of all, talk to a family law attorney in your area. You're going to need one anyway if you get to proceed with this. Secondly, are you wanting to terminate parental rights so that your husband can adopt your son? If that's the case you can probably just ask biological dad, and since that will relieve him of any child support at all, my guess is that he'll jump at the chance. In fact, you may be able to combine all of it into an adoption petition and save time and money.

Good luck with this, and congratulations on finding such a great guy to be a dad to your son. I wish I could have found someone like that!

Answer 2

First of all, you should be pushing the Child Support Bureau. The squeaky wheel gets greased. If your new husband wants to adopt your son, your ex needs to agree to it. All this takes place in court. You will have to hire an attorney.

Answer 3

The first thing you need to do is contact social services about terminating and see what they say. Then contact a lawyer.

Answer 4

Easiest way is for your husband to adopt your son....