The Termination Of Parental Rights For Adoption In Washington
A complicated adoption can be an emotional journey. Whenever parental rights are terminated, the adoption process can also get complicated. Our founding attorney, Christina T. Sherman, has more than 20 years of legal experience, and she has dedicated her law practice to family formation and adoption law.
At Christina T. Sherman, PLLC, in Fircrest, we can help you with your adoption proceeding. We have represented parents in hundreds of adoptions, some of which have involved complex situations like the involuntary termination of parental rights. Our adoption lawyer provides compassionate support and tough legal advocacy as couples seek to grow their families through adoption.
What Is The Process For Terminating Parental Rights In Washington?
In Washington, there are two types of termination of parental rights. Terminating parental rights can happen voluntarily or involuntarily. It is a significant legal action and requires careful consideration and guidance. Terminating parental rights legally ends the parent-child relationship with the birth parents, allowing the child to be adopted. The birth parent or parents will no longer have any child custody rights after their parental rights are terminated. An experienced family law attorney or adoption lawyer can provide important legal guidance throughout this entire process.
How Does A Parent Voluntarily Terminate Their Parental Rights?
Voluntary termination of parental rights occurs when a parent willingly gives up their parental rights, often in the context of adoption. This decision is not made lightly and involves legal proceedings to ensure that the parent is fully aware of the rights and responsibility prior to terminating their parental rights.
How Can A Parent’s Parental Rights Be Terminated Involuntarily?
An involuntary termination occurs without the parent’s consent, often in a contested adoption. Usually, in an involuntary termination, the court finds that the parent is failing to meet his parental duties with a conscious disregard for those duties and it is in the child’s best interests that the biological parent’s rights are terminated. A parents rights will not be lightly terminated by the court and there must be a significant record of neglect, abuse or abandonment of the child by a respondent to establish that termination of parental rights is appropriate. Included in this determination will be the Court’s consideration of the best interest of the child.
Consult A Washington Termination Of Parental Rights Attorney
If you have questions or want to talk further about your options for adoption, our termination of parental rights attorney is available for consultation appointments.
To schedule an appointment, you can call us at 253-466-2775 or send us a message through our website. Let us provide the compassionate guidance and legal support you need to make informed decisions for your family’s future.