A father can sign over his parental rights, also known as relinquishing his paternity, but he cannot do so without the mother’s consent. Under North Carolina law, both parents have equal rights and responsibilities when it comes to the care and upbringing of their child. This means that both parents must be involved in any decisions related to the child, including decisions related to the father’s parental rights.

In order to sign over his rights, a father must go through the proper legal process. This process typically involves filing a petition with the court and obtaining a court order terminating his parental rights. The mother must be notified of the petition and given the opportunity to object to it. If the mother does object, the court will hold a hearing to determine whether it is in the best interests of the child for the father’s rights to be terminated.

There are certain circumstances in which a court may grant a father’s request to terminate his rights, even if the mother objects. For example, if the father has abandoned the child or has not provided financial support for the child, the court may determine that it is in the child’s best interests to terminate the father’s rights. However, the court will always consider the best interests of the child when making a decision on a petition to terminate parental rights.

It is important to note that relinquishing one’s parental rights is a serious and permanent decision that should not be taken lightly. A father who signs over his rights will no longer have any legal responsibilities or obligations to the child, and he will no longer have the right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing or to have a relationship with the child. Before making a decision to terminate his rights, a father should consider the long-term consequences and seek legal advice.

In summary, a father in North Carolina cannot sign over his rights without the mother’s permission. The father must go through the proper legal process and obtain a court order, and the mother must be notified and given the opportunity to object. The court will consider the best interests of the child when deciding whether to grant the father’s request. Relinquishing one’s parental rights is a serious and permanent decision that should not be taken lightly.