Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

Parental Rights

My son's father has decided to "give up his rights" to our son due to the fact that my son does not like to visit with him. My son is 4 years old and verbally tells me and his father that he does not want to visit. So his father said that he is going to "give up his rights".

What does this mean? Is he still required to pay child support? Does he still have to cover him with medical insurance if it was ordered by the court in our divorce? Can he change his mind later on? Can I change my son's name back to my maiden name?

Thanks for your time!


Asked on 9/28/00, 7:15 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Gregg Manes Gregg A. Manes, Esq.

Re: Parental Rights

Child support and visitation are two separate and distinct rights and/or obligations. Just because he is "giving up" visitation does not mean that he is giving up child support. One of the only ways to terminate child support early is to have the child adopted by another individual. As to the health insurance, one must look to the Courts orders. If he wants that changed he has to go to Court to do so.

Changing the childs name is done through Probate Court and you may need his consent to do so.

Good Luck!!!

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Answered on 11/03/00, 10:31 am
Rick Sommer Law Offices of Rick J. Sommer

Re: Parental Rights

Whether your child's father exercises his visitation rights, he must continue to pay any court ordered support payments. If you wish to change the child's last name, you will need to pursue that through the courts. Best of luck.

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Answered on 10/29/00, 9:07 pm


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