Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

child custody

A judge suspended my parental rights because i had no money for an attorney and didn't know if i didn't show for a hearing that he'd do that, i been paying support and no legal agency will help me (they say i make too much) i now pay even more and i have a new baby. It has been almost five years since i've been able to see my kids, is it possible to sign rights off to elleviate support?


Asked on 10/22/08, 7:32 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Roger Traversa Arjont Group (Law Office of Roger Traversa)

Re: child custody

You asked about getting out of support payments.

Generally that can't happen unless another person steps up, such as if another person adopts the child or the mother asks that your parental rights be terminated.

There are two questions, are you trying to get out of paying the money, or would you rather just be able to have access to your child?

The judge suspended your rights because you didn't show and present ANY cause why they shouldn't be suspended. The judge would not have done this had you simply showed up.

Go to your local library and look at the self-help legal resources that are available. Family law is pretty freindly to pro se parties and judges are required to accommodate many procedural missteps by self represented parties. Additionally, many counties have some attorneys that can give some basic assistance to pro se parties.

Getting out of support is a losing fight. Don't start it. But getting time with your child is something the court will be glad to help with.

If you can scrape any money together it would of course help to hire an attorney, but doing this on your own is in not an insurmountable task.

Good luck,

Regards,

Roger

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Answered on 10/22/08, 10:48 am


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