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Conditions for Termination of Parental Rights

Courts may terminate parental rights if any of three criteria are met. They are:

Abandonment

A child is considered abandoned when a parent who has failed to pay child support or to contribute to the expenses of the child for a period of one year or more can be determined to have abandoned the child. Abandonment is also adjudicated when the parents of the child are unknown for three months and attempts to find them have failed.

Unfitness

Courts may rule a parent unfit for parental rights for several reasons. Mental unfitness or deficiency where the duration of treatment makes it unlikely that he or she will be able to perform parental duties is one of them. Parents can also be found unfit if it is determined that the child is in danger of bodily harm - either through experience or the experience of a sibling.

A parent can also be found unfit if they are in prison for at least six years. There are other factors such as the possibility of abuse and sexual harassment. For a complete understanding of how a parent is said to be unfit, contact our Marrison Law Attorneys .

Refusal to adhere to Treatment Plans

Cases where the parents demonstrate no interest in following court ordered treatment plans and demonstrate no possibility of changing their behavior can also render parents unfit.

Summary

As you can see, there are many circumstances during which a termination of parental rights can take place. The conditions are precise and quantifiable. To seek further assistance in this matter, come to us for a consulation and we will be happy to help you.