my husband has been financially providing for his 12 year old son, he is not behind in child support and has repeatedly attempted to be an active part of his son's life. The child's mothers has made the terms conditional. He only visits when he wants money and no other time. The child has been suspended from school several times mostly due to fighting and his grades and school attendance is poor. We have attempted to discpline the child and place restricts which the mother overthrows. She tells the child he does not have to come and visit and he is allowed to be disrespectful to my husband telling him what he will and won't do. My husband has taken the mother to court for visitation which was stated in their divorce that they have joint custody but the child is to reside with the mother. At court she said that he can visit when he wants while in front of the jude and then continued to refuse visitation only when financially benificial to the mother. My husband who is now fed up with the situation wants to voluntary terminate his parental rights. I am sure that she will not agree because he pays childsupport and she does not want to loose the monthly check. Can any one tell us if we can terminate his rights against her will and what papers need to be filed? We would to file the papers ourself as there is not enough money to pay for a lawyer. So if someone can please tell us the step by step course of action that needs be taken? We are in the state of Missouri. Please email me mrs_white25@yahoo.com

I can understand that this is a frustrating situation for you and your husband. You may want to post this under family law. Typically you cannot just terminate rights to stop paying child support. Support and visitation are separate issues. I would suggest that you file a contempt petition against the mother and a petition to modify visitation so that you get a schedule in place instead of just as the mother agrees.