I have 5 kids with my ex husband 2 are adults now and 3 are still under age, he was in jail and then left the country after getting released in 2010. He has not spoke to them since 2012. I have been trying to get my kids a passport but cannot since 2 of them are still under 16.
I was also divorced in 2016 by publication, but my attorney at the time said she could not file for custody at the same time.
How do I go about filing to terminate his parental rights? What forms would I have to fill out to establish his abandonment and get his rights terminated?
You will have to file a petition for a termination of parental rights in DSS/juvenile court. There is no pre-printed form.
A custody order granting you sole/exclusive legal and physical custody may help you as well. You would need to file a custody complaint against the father and serve him. You may also have to serve him by publication if you still cannot locate his address after due diligence.
Anna Ayscue
Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest
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