Once legal paternity is established, the Court is required to make child support orders (K.S.A.23-2215(c)). If both parents are parties to the action, they are required to enter orders of custody and parenting time (K.S.A. 23-2215(d)). A child has a legal right to receive support from both parents.

A parent, however, may consent to the adoption of a child by a third party or relinquish his/her rights to an agency. In the event a parent consents to the adoption of a child, his/her rights remain intact until the adoption is finalized. If a parent relinquishes his/her rights to a child to an agency, the agency must accept the relinquishment in writing and “…stand in loco parentis to the child and shall have and possess over the child all rights of a parent...”

If a parent could simply relinquish or sign over his/her rights, such would in essence deprive the child of the right to support. To be absolved of his/her parental responsibilities, a parent must be relieved of his/her rights through the finalization of an adoption or the acceptance of a relinquishment by an agency. If you or someone you know needs support deciphering paternity rights, please contact us!