Parental Rights

Parental Rights affect the legal relationships between parents and children in family law matters, generally involving Child Custody.

Most discussions of parental rights seem to involve termination of rights, but not necessarily. In many states, terminology for "custody" has been changed to "allocation of parental rights" and "shared parenting".

Every parent has the obligation to provide food, clothing, shelter, and medical care to their child. Parents also have the rights to raise their child to the best of their ability and the responsibility to do what's in the best interest of the child.

Parental rights can be terminated for the following grounds:

• severe abuse or neglect of any child in the household
• abandonment
• felony conviction for violent crime
• incapacity due to long-term drug or alcohol use/abuse
• incapacity due to long-term mental deficiency or illness

Parental rights can also be given up voluntarily if the parent either chooses to not participate or physically cannot care for the child.

Each state has their own definitions and specifics when it comes to parental rights laws. There is a civil movement to make sure states don't over zealously enforce those laws.

If you have any questions regarding parental rights, speak with a local family law attorney to protect your rights regarding your relationship with your child.