Re: Family Law - Child support

Regarding child support: Both parents remain financially responsible for the child unless one or both of the parents give up their parental rights or those rights are terminated. In Pennsylvania you generally cannot give up your parental rights unless another "parent" is available to adopt the child. In other words, you generally cannot choose to give up your parental rights in order to escape a child support obligation. In short, yes, the baby's father will remain responsible for child support regardless of where the child lives unless the child is living with him (either with or without your daughter).

Regarding relocation: I am not licensed to practice law in Virginia, but in Pennsylvania if one parent chooses to relocate and the other parent disagrees, the court will have to decide whether or not to allow the relocating parent to do so with the child. Several factors are examined including the motive of the relocating parent (ie. for a job, better quality of life, family relationship, or desire to hurt the other parent or severe his/her relationship with the child)and the effect of relocation on the relationship between the child and the parent remaining behind. These are but a few of the factors the court will look at. Your daughter should consult with an attorney in Virgina, experienced with child custody and child support matters, so that she is fully aware of her rights and responsibilities prior to deciding whether or not to move.