Termination of parental rights permanently ends the legal relationship between parent and child. Courts treat it as a serious step and require strong evidence.
Common grounds
- Abuse or severe neglect.
- Abandonment.
- Long-term inability to care for the child due to substance abuse or mental illness, when treatment has failed.
- Failure to comply with a court-ordered plan to reunify.
- Voluntary relinquishment for adoption.
Parents' rights
- Notice of the proceedings.
- The right to a lawyer, often appointed, in many states.
- The right to contest the petition and present evidence.
- A high standard of proof, typically clear and convincing evidence.
What it means
After termination, the parent loses rights to custody, visitation and decision making, and generally the child support obligation ends in many cases. The child can be adopted. A court must find termination is in the child's best interests.
If you are facing this
- Respond to every notice and attend all hearings.
- Get a lawyer or request one.
- Complete any services the court orders, and keep proof.
- Maintain regular contact with the child as allowed.
- Ask about options such as guardianship or open adoption.
Frequently asked questions
Can rights be reinstated?
In rare cases in some states, but usually termination is permanent.
Is it the same as losing custody?
No, it is permanent and more complete.