PLEASE NOTE: Johnson, Johnson & Nolan will remain open and available to serve you during the COVID-19 crisis. We are offering our clients the ability to meet with us in person, via Telephone or Video Conference. Please call our office to discuss your options.

Five Generations Of Legal Excellence - One Client At A Time
Divorce
Family Law
Estate Planning
Probate And Estate
Administration
Business Law

Terminating parental rights

On Behalf of | Dec 30, 2014 | Family Law |

Our Practice Areas

We here at Johnson & Johnson, Attorneys at Law, understand that families across the state of Illinois can be confronted by a number of unique challenges and opportunities. Custodial and non-custodial parents alike are known to pursue and terminate parental rights, depending on the distinctive circumstances of their case. Before you move forward with plans to terminate your parental rights, or those of your child’s other parent, it’s important to understand how such proceedings are regarded under the law.

Despite the fact that there are many reasons why you or your child’s other parent may consider relinquishing parental rights, About Parenting explains that family law courts are typically reluctant to legally terminate the legal rights of a child’s biological parent. The best interests of the child are at the heart of any decision relating to child custody or support arrangements. Therefore, the court may question you or the other parent’s motivation for terminating rights.

In the event that you are no longer willing or able to comply with the terms of your current child support agreement, the court may consider modifying your financial obligations instead of officially terminating your rights. However, the court may decide that it is in the best interest of your child to terminate the rights of his or her other parent if it is determined that some level of abuse or neglect is occurring.

And while the safety and well-being of the child is at the forefront of considerations regarding parental rights, the court may take other factors into account as well. For instance, adoption proceedings can result in you relinquishing your rights voluntarily. The court may also be willing to terminate the rights of your child’s other parent if he or she never maintained a relationship with your child.

Legally established child support arrangements are taken very seriously by the family court system. Visit our web page today to learn more about paternity and other family law topics.

Categories

Archives

FindLaw Network