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Does signing over parental rights stop child support in New Jersey?
Parents bear several rights and obligations when it comes to their children. One of these obligations includes financially supporting them to ensure welfare until emancipation. When parents split, the court will order the non-custodial parent to pay child support to minimize the impact of the divorce on the child’s quality of life. If the court deems that a parent’s actions have threatened the child’s well-being, they can terminate parental rights. In New Jersey, parental rights can be voluntarily or involuntarily removed. In such cases, it’s common for parents to wonder whether they are still obligated to pay child support. Please continue reading to learn whether having your parental rights terminated will stop child support and how a trusted Ocean County Child Support Attorney can help you today.
When does the court find it appropriate to terminate parental rights in New Jersey?
The state highly values the bond between a parent and their child. Generally, it is believed that it is in a child’s best interest to benefit from having a relationship with both of their parents. However, if deemed unfit, the court may find it necessary to terminate parental rights. If a parent puts their child in an unsafe environment or situation, the court can remove parental rights. When a child’s emotional, mental, or physical well-being is put at risk, the court could determine that it is in a child’s best interest to terminate their parental rights.
In some cases, a parent may willingly surrender their parental rights. Generally, the court will only allow a parent to waive their parental rights when a child is put up for adoption. The court will ensure the parents carefully consider their decision, as surrendering parental rights will legally end their relationship with their child. It’s imperative to note that parents cannot waive their parental rights to avoid paying child support.
Will I still have to pay child support if my parental rights are terminated?
In New Jersey, parents have a legal responsibility to financially support their children until they have reached the age of emancipation. However, if the state terminates parental rights or the parent voluntarily surrenders their rights, they would no longer be financially responsible for the child. When parental rights are involuntarily or voluntarily terminated, their legal relationship with their child ends. That said, their child support obligation would be removed. However, that will not excuse any past child support that is owed. If your ex-spouse is not complying with their support obligation, please don’t hesitate to contact a reliable Ocean County child support attorney, who can help you fight for the support you and your child deserve.
If your ex-spouse fails to comply with their support obligation, please don’t hesitate to contact a reliable Ocean County child support attorney, who can help you fight for the support you and your child deserve.
