Terminating Parental Rights
Each state and the District of Columbia have laws stating specific grounds for the termination of parental rights, a process that ends the parent-child relationship from a legal standpoint. While states differ slightly on the exact grounds for termination, most statutes hinge on the consideration of a child's best interests. For example, parents who are unable to provide a safe home, or who have been convicted of serious acts of child abuse, may have their parental rights terminated. The following articles and resources cover the process of terminating parental rights; reinstatement of parental rights after termination; and related matters.
- Terminating Parental Rights
Sometimes, parents lose the rights to see and parent their child through a legal proceeding called termination of parental rights. Learn about the cases which lead to parental rights termination in this article.
- Reinstatement of Parental Rights After Termination
Some states will allow parental rights to be reinstated under certain circumstances. Learn about how laws vary between the states, and when reinstatement might be allowed.
- Checklist: Grounds for Terminating Parental Rights
Terminating parental rights is a very serious matter, and most families meet conditions before the state will consider taking away their children. This checklist contains the most commonly used requirements.
- Child Visitation, Child Custody, and Unmarried Fathers
Getting to see your child when that child is not legally “yours” can be difficult. This article reviews how to start establishing visitation and custody when you haven’t yet established paternity.