Is 4 years too long to file for child support in SC?

[kevinreece]

In SC, if a child's father signs away his rights when the child is born, is he still obligated to pay child support? Even if he lives in another state now?

Also, how long does the mother have to file for child support after the child is born? Is 4 years too long? (for example, if the kid is 4, can the mother legally still file for child support?) And, if the mother can still file for child support, is the father responsible for back child support for the 4 years??

Any info you have would be appreciated. Thanks!!!!!

 

[MySonsMom]

Did the Father sign away his rights on his own? Did you agree to this? Has anyone adopted the child?

 

[kevinreece]

More Information

To answer your question, yes, the father signed over all rights when the child was born, and the mother agreed to it. She's about to have to sell her house to be able to continue paying for day care. Can child support be demanded of the father under these circumstances? (The child is now 4.)

Thanks!!

 

[MySonsMom]

I guess it would just all depend upon what he signed. Was the sent through the courts and legalized? Was this just an arrangement between the Mother and Father? It will make a big difference whether the Mother in this case can file for support.

*Normally* when a parent voluntarily relinguishes their rights (and if it's done correctly) they are no longer a parent to the child, and no longer responsbile for the child in anyway, including financially.

Parental rights can be taken away but that parents is still finanicially held responsible in some cases as well.

With the info that you have given, this Father did not want ANYTHING to do with the child, and the Mother agreed to it. Therefore, relinguishing any responsibilities. The Mother should have thought that one over a little more clearly at the time of birth...Since parenthood is VERY costly...As she is seeing now.

This is one reason why laws have changed, making it hard to relinguish rights and responsibilites to children without another person accepting responsibility (ie: step parent/adoption) Because this Mother is seeing how financially difficult it is to raise a child alone, and may have to rely on public assistance. Therefore, making ALL of the taxpayers help raise this child.

So, it all depends on the first paragraph on this post.