{"id":351933,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:42","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/parental-rights-and-liability\/checklist-grounds-for-terminating-parental-rights.html"},"modified":"2023-06-07T10:51:50","modified_gmt":"2023-06-07T15:51:50","slug":"checklist-grounds-for-terminating-parental-rights","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/parental-rights-and-liability\/checklist-grounds-for-terminating-parental-rights.html","title":{"rendered":"Grounds for Terminating Parental Rights"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Grounds for Terminating Parental Rights<\/h1>\n
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\n By John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Joseph Fawbush, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Termination of parental rights may be voluntary or involuntary, given the circumstances of each case. Both situations will require court approval. This article will discuss the grounds for terminating the rights of a parent.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

The phrase "termination of parental rights<\/a>" may be the most frightening words a parent can hear in court. Fear of losing a child to "the system" can motivate a parent to improve their situation for the child’s well-being. For some parents, the termination of parental rights brings relief, as the parent knows that they cannot provide financial support for the child.<\/p>\r\n

Process for Terminating Parental Rights<\/h2>\r\n

The parental rights termination procedure is perhaps one of the strongest and most drastic legal mechanisms available to protect children in need. Court jurisdiction for a termination action may vary from state to state. Depending on the circumstances, these actions may be filed in the family court, the probate court, or the juvenile court. In many cases, a termination proceeding is a necessary precursor to the adoption of the child. A termination finding ends the parent-child relationship. In some states, a parent can file for reinstatement of parental rights<\/a> after termination or consenting to adoption<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

The exact grounds for terminating parental rights vary from state to state. Certain federal statutes and cases may inform the procedures related to the court process. The following list summarizes the major grounds for terminating a parent’s rights to their child.<\/p>\r\n

Common Grounds for an Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights<\/h2>\r\n

Factors for determining whether a child is abused or neglected, which may support an involuntary termination of parental rights, include:<\/p>\r\n

Child Abuse Factors<\/h3>\r\n