When you need a lawyer for a termination of parental rights case, J. Michael Turner, Jr. of Greenville is here to represent you. Facing a termination of parental rights hearing is not easy, but you can have professional representation protecting your interests and fighting for your family. Contact us today to discuss your case with a seasoned parental rights attorney here in Greenville.
Lawyer Representing Parents in Termination of Rights Cases
A lawyer can represent you if you are facing termination of your parental rights. You can take the case to court. You have a right to a hearing and the right to present a defense. The wishes of DSS or the child’s other parent are not absolute.
Protecting your family is one of the most important things you will ever do. Lawyer Michael Turner has a long history of representing parents in family court proceedings. He can assist you. Early on you will see how diligently he will work to fight termination proceedings and reunite your family.
Legal Help in Greenville for Parents Having Their Rights Terminated
If you are a parent facing a termination proceeding, here is what we want you to know:
- DSS does not have the authority to terminate parental rights. Neither does the other parent. Only a court can sever a parent-child relationship with a court order.
- The court must find statutory grounds to support termination. They cannot simply terminate for any reason they want.
- There are some reasons that DSS must file a termination petition, like when a child is in foster care for 15 of the last 22 months or when a parent is convicted of voluntary manslaughter or murder of another of their children.
- A summons and complaint for termination must state jurisdiction, the grounds for termination, and the underlying facts. It must give enough information that you can defend against it.
- Clear and convincing evidence is the standard that the moving party must meet. It is a very high legal burden. You may aggressively challenge the case and argue to the judge that termination is inappropriate.
- If the child is a member of a recognized tribe, the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) applies. It creates additional protections and safeguards.
- You have the right to a hearing. You have the right to question witnesses and make arguments to the court.
- You do not have to fight alone. Termination of parental rights lawyer Michael Turner can represent you.
You can oppose the termination. Michael Turner is an experienced litigator in family court. He can help you effectively respond to the proceedings and represent your interests.
Understanding Parental Rights Termination Cases in South Carolina
There are 11 grounds to terminate parental rights in South Carolina. One of these grounds must exist for the court to rule in favor of termination. Grounds for termination include abuse and neglect, failing to remedy conditions that caused the removal, substance abuse that prohibits parenting, extremely violent crimes involving family members, abandonment, lack of support, and other grounds.
In addition to grounds for termination, the court must also find that it is in the best interests of the child to have rights terminated. If you are facing termination, the best interests of the child may be especially important.
You may present evidence to the court regarding:
- Bonds with parents and siblings
- Rehabilitation and participation in rehabilitation
- Opinions of experts, caseworkers, and the guardian ad litem
- Extended relatives
- The child’s wishes
- Cultural considerations
- Risk of harm if the child is returned
- Circumstances of the alleged grounds for termination
A hearing is your opportunity to present your case to the court. When you work with Turner Family Law as your termination of parental rights lawyer, you have professional help in preparing and presenting your case. We gather the evidence and present a clear case to the court.
Voluntary termination
If you are voluntarily terminating your parental rights for the purposes of a stepparent adoption, there is no need to have a termination hearing. There is a process for a parent to voluntarily relinquish their rights for this purpose.
Seeking termination for the purposes of stepparent adoption
If you are seeking termination of the other parent’s parental rights for the purpose of stepparent adoption, our law firm can assist you. We can pursue the consent process and evaluate the statutory grounds for terminating rights. Contact us for a consultation.
Talk to a Lawyer – Consultations Available
Consultations with termination of parental rights lawyer Michael Turner are available. Talk to a lawyer at Turner Family Law today. It is our goal to help you exercise your rights, protect your family, and guide you through the process. Contact us to begin.
