In Re Ryan B.

KETCHUM, J.:

These two appeals have been consolidated because they present the same question— whether a court in an abuse and neglect proceeding may accept a voluntary relinquishment and terminate a parent’s parental rights while continuing his/her obligation to pay child support for the child(ren). The two circuit court rulings below came to different conclusions, one finding that a voluntary relinquishment cuts off all parental rights and responsibilities, including the obligation to pay child support; the other finding that child support is a right unto the child which cannot be voluntarily…