Termination of Parental Rights in Georgia

Experienced Georgia Family Law & Divorce Attorneys

A GA termination of parental rights proceeding is held under under two basic scenarios: a voluntary termination, and an involuntary termination. For instance, if an individual or couple wants to adopt a child in Georgia, before the proceeding can be finalized a termination (usually voluntary) of the previous parents' parental rights must be completed. On the other hand, we often represent clients who seek to terminate the parental rights of a spouse involuntarily because they are abusive or neglectful of a child.

Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights Under GA Law

There are a number of grounds under Georgia law which allow for the involuntary termination of parental rights. Some of the more common reasons include abandonment, abuse, mental illness, the loss of rights of another child, or in some cases a felony on the record of the parent. If a child is in the care of social services for 15 out of 22 months, or sometimes less, the state of Georgia may request a termination of parental rights. A termination can also take place if the parent fails to provide support or maintain contact with the child.

Oftentimes, in the case of a divorce, our lawyers are asked to help terminate the parental rights of a spouse. This can sometimes be done if the spouse has failed to contact or support the child, or if the spouse has a criminal conviction or serious behavior problem. Terminating the parental rights of a spouse can often help in the event that the custodial parent remarries and the new spouse wants to adopt the child.

Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights Under GA Law

If the termination of parental rights is done voluntarily, often in the case where a child is being adopted, the biological parents sign paperwork giving up their rights, at which time a GA family law judge can finalize the proceedings. Once this is performed, the child will become clear for adoption and the new parent or parents can proceed with their adoption proceedings. This can be performed either as an open or closed adoption.

  Getting Started

If you are dealing with a child custody issue in Georgia regarding the termination of parental rights, we advise you to speak with one of our family law attorneys sooner rather than later.  The process can be intense and sometimes intimidating, and our Georgia child custody attorneys can help you reach a settlement that makes sense for you, and more importantly, for your children.  For a typical child custody or termination of parental rights proceeding our law firm retainer begins at $2,500.00.  If you would like to talk with one of our family law attorneys about representing you, either fill out the brief form to your left or give us a call.  For additional contact information and driving directions to our firm please visit our Contact Page.  Thank you and we look forward to working with you.