Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

What will responsibility be if parental rights are relinquished?

My best friend is going through paternity suit- DNA testing will be complete within a few weeks. The mother of the child has ''offered'' to have him ''sign- off'' on his parental rights- is that indeed a possibility- and if so, will he still be held accountable for for the hospital bills from the childs birth if he is indeed the father? The FIA has told him he will be held accountable if he is the father- but would that still be if his parental rights are relinquished? The relationship between the mother and him is severely strained, and he wishes to have nothing to do with this child. The mother is supported by her parents and the government.


Asked on 3/31/03, 7:10 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Timothy Trichler Timothy R. Trichler - Attorney and Counselor at Law

Re: What will responsibility be if parental rights are relinquished?

Greetings; The simple answer to your questions is NO. This idea comes up all the time and is offered now and again by mothers wishing to be controlling. The reason the state will not allow this is that if the mother ever falls on state aid they do not wish their right to go after the father to be limited or terminated. The right to go on state aid is not a right the mother can 'give up' to make this idea happen. You will not find any sympathay for a potential dead beat dad in our system. Best of luck on the test. Atty. trichler; www.trichler.com

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Answered on 3/31/03, 7:20 pm


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