Termination of Parental Rights in KY

Help from Our Reputable Bowling Green Family Law Attorney

Are you currently facing the termination of your parental rights or believe that your ex-spouse or the parent of your child should have their rights terminated? At Law Office of Pamela C. Bratcher, we realize that every case is unique and requires the assistance and attention of an experienced and trusted attorney.

The Bowling Green family lawyer at our firm has worked with clients in a variety of situations for over 30 years and our firm knows how to put together a workable argument on your behalf.

What Is Termination of Parental Rights?

Termination of parental rights is a court order that terminates the legal relationship between a parent and a child. This means that the parent no longer has rights to custody or visitation, nor are they financially responsible for the child. While past due child support payments may still need to be fulfilled, future child support obligations are terminated.

Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights

There are a number of circumstances where parental rights could be terminated, such as:

• When a father fails to file a paternity claim
• Cases of child abandonment or neglect
• Instances of physical or emotional abuse of a child
• A history of mental illness
• A history of drug or alcohol abuse
• When either parent is incarcerated

How to Terminate Parental Rights & Child Support in Kentucky

A parent can choose to voluntarily terminate their parental rights. This means they may no longer wish to retain parental responsibilities such as custody and visitation, nor are they financially responsible for the child. When a parent terminates his or her parental rights, the future child support obligations are terminated as well.

Parents have two options when deciding to terminate parental rights. They can either surrender and bring their child to designated safe-haven area, or consent and choose a family to adopt their child.

A parent can also ‘safely abandon’ their child if they have decided they are not ready for the responsibilities of parenthood and aren’t sure what to do. Many counties have statutes that permit a child to be safely abandoned, usually at a hospital or fire station.

Involuntary Termination

Involuntary termination occurs when a social service agent is involved due to a parent being unfit. When this happens, the child is removed from the home and either temporarily placed in foster care or with a blood relative. During this time, the state will attempt to provide rehabilitation services to the custodial parent. If the parent does not rehabilitate in the determined amount of time , their parental rights could be involuntarily revoked.

Involuntary termination is when a court decides it is in the best interest of a child to terminate parental rights.

Due to the gravity of this scenario, a court must have serious reason for finding a parent unfit.

Commonly, the reasoning is:

• abandonment (or extreme parental disinterest);
• neglect or abuse;
• mental deficiency or illness;
• drug or alcohol-induced incapacity;
• a felony conviction or a current jail sentence; or
• the murder of a sibling.

For termination of rights to be lawfully accepted, there needs to be a greater reason than what is in the best interest of the child; it must also be shown that continued parental custody would be detrimental to development.

Compassionate Legal Support When You Need It

It can be extremely stressful and scary to think that your rights could be taken away or be forced to deal with a parent who is not fit to take care of your child. If you choose to hire our firm, can rely on our attorney to provide you with the support you need to get through this emotional situation.

Our firm understands how much is at stake for you and your family and work hard to pursue the most effective course of action. Our attorney personally handles every case, based on your specific situation. Added to this, Attorney Bratcher has practiced on the trial level, the appeal level, and in state and federal courts.