Does a totally disinterested/unsupporting Father have "rights"

[MarzipanQ]

My grandson's father has never financially or emotionally supported him since his birth nearly six years ago & neither has his family shown any interest in our shared grandchild. There has been no contact whatsoever of any kind in all this time. The child's father "disappeared" but has re-emerged on a website where he thoughtfully provided his address & work details. If my daughter reports his wherabouts to the CSA will this man then have any legal right to see the child & input into his life?

[sara3]

sadly, I would expect that he would always have a right to see his child unless the child might be in danger. obviously you wouldn't pack the child off for a weekend with this stranger. I doubt the CSA would be able to provide contact details, so if he doesn't know where she is I'm sure the DPA (data protection act) would cover that angle.

I'd have to say that he sounds like he wouldn't be interested anyway. if your daughter hasn't changed address he could have made an effort before now to make contact.

he sounds like a waste of space to me!

[stonekicker]

yes, he does have rights and could theoretically begin to exercise these at any time. if your daughter gets the csa involved, he may well decide that he wants something in return for his money - be it contact, revenge or harrassment. i'd think twice before disturbing the peace as i have seen friends do this and it rarely turns out nicely! you know what they say - let sleeping dogs lie...or do you lot want revenge by reporting him to make him pay for the peace and quiet you have had these past few years? if you do this with any malicious intent in mind - bear in mind that it can and probably will backfire on you.