My ex and I split up in 2013. We have 2 children who were 2 years old and 3 months old at the time. A no contact order has been in place and in attempt to reinstate the children no contact order with him (confirmed case of child abuse against him through DHS) he was granted supervised visits. After 2 visits my oldest (then 3 (hadn’t had contact with him for over a year)) was diagnosed with PTSD by her therapist caused directly from having to see him and his previous neglect. All visits ceased immediately for their mental and emotional well being. At the same time he returned to jail for a burglary. He’s spent the majority of his time on drugs and being a criminal. It has now been over 2 years since any contact and he is currently in jail for his 2nd domestic abuse (1st was against me. He got his new charge knocked down to 1st offense..HOW?!) My children are now 5 and 3 with birthdays in the fall. I will be enrolling them in school and I NEED to get their last names changed. What proof must I have to show abandonment? I’m nervous to file and he end up getting some sort of visits or rights. My attorney and I are waiting to terminate his rights because I cannot afford to pay for his attorney since he is in jail. My ex will most likely make this a difficult process. There is no custody or child support order in place and would like him to sign his rights over if we agree for him to not pay. Because he won’t anyway. PLEASE HELP. Thank you for reading and any information you can give me.