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Our Attorneys Can Help You Protect Your Parental Rights

In a parent-child relationship, parents have basic duties and rights, which dictate how a child is raised. However, these rights can be revoked if a parent violates the law or does not act in the best interest of the child. If you are facing an involuntary termination of parental rights, the lawyers at McKinley, Conger, Jolley & Galarneau, LLP, can help. 

What Parental Rights Are Terminated?

If your parental rights and custody are terminated, you lose the ability to make any decisions regarding your child’s upbringing, including but not limited to their education, religion, discipline, and health care. You also forfeit the ability to control earnings and property your child may receive. In addition, your visitation rights are revoked, as is your ability to communicate with your child.

Circumstances Under Which Parental Rights Are Terminated

Parental rights can be terminated voluntarily or involuntarily. Parents may voluntarily seek to relinquish their parental responsibilities in the case of adoption or other “good cause.” Involuntary termination of rights occurs when parental rights are ended against a parent’s wishes. Involuntary termination can be pursued if:

  • The child has been willfully abandoned
  • The child suffers abuse
  • The non-custodial parent is in prison

One parent can seek to sever the rights of another if, for example, the other suffers from mental illness due to drugs or alcohol. The state can also revoke a parent’s rights if it is in the best interest of the child. It is important to note that the termination of parental rights also relieves the ex-parent of child support obligations.

In general, California courts emphasize the importance of the parent-child relationship. Having a relationship with both parents is typically in the best interest of the child, except in the case of notable exceptions.

How We Can Help

Whether the other parent or the courts have petitioned to terminate your parental rights, you need a skilled attorney on your side. Our team can help you to understand your rights and advocate diligently on your behalf. Together, we can present evidence to disprove any allegations against you or demonstrate that you are working to make better lifestyle choices with the help of counseling or other programs. If necessary, we can also recommend alternatives, such as supervised visitation, so you can remain a part of your child’s life.

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