Could a terminally ill mother pass her parental rights to a non-parent if she is divorced from the child's father?

Answer 1

Unless the father has legally given up all rights to the child, he is the one who should have, and can go to court and get those parental rights. Don't make him and your child go through that for the wrong reasons. Your child needs his father, especially now and you would be doing what was best for him by seeing that the transition is cooperative. How would your child feel if he were passed on to someone not even related? Make sure he stays with and is surrounded by his family. I am so sorry for your situation and it must be so painful for you to even be considering all of these things, but unless there are circumstances you are not disclosing regarding your ex and other relatives, I think you know that is where your child belongs.