I just found out

[what2do]

I just found out that I have an 8 yr old.
I'm married with a 4 yr old.
Married for 6 yrs.
I want to terminate parental rights to the 8 yr old since no contact or any interest are there.
Can I do this?
Help. May life is topsy turvy.

[Kitty C.]

Wow.  What you NEED right now is an atty.  Exactly how did you find out about this child?  By getting served with a petition?

What you need to understand first and foremost is that parental RIGHTS and RESPONSIBILITIES are two totally separate entities.  you can ceratinly give up your rights, but if the mother wants to take you to court for CS, she is within her rights, AND depending on previous CO's and our state laws, the judge can rule retro to the birth, putting you in immediate arrears for thousands of dollars.

Don't know what state you're in or any other legal details, so I STRONGLY recommend you get an atty.