Termination of Parental Rights
Jefferson County Missouri Family Law Attorney
While the court recognizes the importance of parental rights, it always considers what is in the best interests of a child when deciding matters related to custody and visitation. As such, while the termination of parental rights is considered a grave, serious matter, it is not unheard of when the safety of a child is at stake.
In order to terminate parental rights, evidence must be provided indicating neglect, abuse, child abandonment, or the unfitness of a parent. Incarceration or a criminal history is not enough to terminate parental rights, even if a parent has been convicted of a sexual offense. We represent clients in cases involving the termination of parental rights.
Whether you are seeking the termination of parental rights or are facing the termination of your parental rights, us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your case.
In order to terminate parental rights, evidence must be provided indicating neglect, abuse, child abandonment, or the unfitness of a parent. Incarceration or a criminal history is not enough to terminate parental rights, even if a parent has been convicted of a sexual offense. We represent clients in cases involving the termination of parental rights.
Whether you are seeking the termination of parental rights or are facing the termination of your parental rights, us today to schedule an appointment and discuss your case.
Adoption and Termination or Parental Rights
There are laws that secure the best interests of a child in adoptions. In essence, the Missouri Legislature added a provision that states the best interests of a child must the overriding concern in cases where a biological parent attempts to reverse a termination agreement after an adoption petition has been granted. As a result, if the court believes the best interest of a child are served by staying in the adoptive home, the termination of parental rights remains in force.
Putative Father Claims
Putative fathers have a right to challenge the adoption of their child. However, birth mothers are under no legal obligation to reveal the identity of the child's father. Putative fathers can obtain a court order for a paternity test and, should the results indicate they are the father of a child, challenge an adoption prior to its finalization.
Allegations of Unfitness and the Termination of Parental Rights
Terminating parental rights is not easy. In order to establish a parent's unfitness or danger to a child, we may work with various experts and private investigators in order to expose a pattern of risky or criminal behavior, neglect, and abuse. We prepare pertinent information and present it to the court in seeking the termination of parental rights of a parent who poses a threat to a child.
Alternatively, some parents use a divorce or custody battle to get revenge against their former spouse or the father of their child. As a result, allegations pertaining to unfitness or embarrassing episodes in your life can be exaggerated to full effect. We recognize how information can be spun and manipulated in cases asking the court to terminate parental rights. As a result, we consult investigators and counselors when defending people against accusations of unfitness.
Alternatively, some parents use a divorce or custody battle to get revenge against their former spouse or the father of their child. As a result, allegations pertaining to unfitness or embarrassing episodes in your life can be exaggerated to full effect. We recognize how information can be spun and manipulated in cases asking the court to terminate parental rights. As a result, we consult investigators and counselors when defending people against accusations of unfitness.
Once Parental Rights are Terminated
Once parental rights are terminated, there are no standing obligations between a child and the parent in question. As a result, a biological parent cannot be sued for child support, medical coverage, or contest a will during probate if he or she is excluded from the deceased biological parent's estate plan.
