Sacramento, California Termination of Parental Rights
At the law offices of Hugh O. Allen our lawyers have represented clients in proceedings involving the termination of parental rights in Sacramento, California and surrounding areas for over 30 years.
We represent parents who are in danger of having their children taken away, as well as grandparents or other concerned family members who believe the child's biological parents are a strongly negative or damaging influence. To schedule an appointment at our firm, call us at 916-436-1517 or contact us online.
What Is in the Child's Best Interest?
Sometimes parents really are incapable or unwilling to provide a stable, healthy upbringing for their children. Courts often rule against parents who engage in child abuse, child neglect or criminal activity like using or selling drugs.
In other cases, agents for the Child Protection Services may simply have an overly strong negative reaction to a particular parenting style. In these cases, the child would be better off remaining with his or her parents than being forcibly taken from them and potentially placed into foster care.
Child Protection Services may also remove children from parents' custody if the child is heavily involved in drugs or crime.
Grandparent and Stepparent Adoptions
Before adopting a child, it is first necessary to terminate the parental rights of the biological parent or parents.
We frequently represent grandparents who believe their children are unable to raise their grandchildren and who want to give their grandchildren a chance to have a more stable, happier upbringing. In order to do this, you must show that neither parent is able to provide a proper place for the child's development.
We also frequently handle step-parent adoptions, involving custodial parents who want their new spouse to be recognized as a legal parent to their children. In order to do this, either the biological parent must willingly give up his or her parental rights, or you have to prove that he or she is an unfit parent in a Termination of Parental Rights Hearing. There must be a showing of detriment for both parents if the non-parent is to prevail.
To schedule an appointment to discuss termination of parental rights with an experienced family law attorney, call 916-436-1517 or contact us today.
This does not constitute a guarantee, warranty or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
