Trusted Legal Guidance for Sensitive Family Law Matters
In some situations, it is necessary for the court to voluntarily or involuntarily take away someone’s parental rights. For example, the parent may not have the mental, physical, or financial ability to take care of the child. The termination of parental rights process can be time-consuming and involves specific legal steps.
Many people find it helpful to work with a law firm that can guide and support them through this time. Turner Family Law has the tools to help families relinquish parental rights or complete the adoption process. We provide confidential and empowering spaces for clients to talk about what led them to this moment and learn about how our legal advocates can help.
What Is Termination of Parental Rights (TPR)?
Termination of parental rights is when a parent voluntarily or involuntarily has their rights taken away. Parents can voluntarily choose to give away their parental rights, such as by relinquishing their child to South Carolina’s Department of Social Services. Or, a court or government agency may decide to intervene and involuntarily end someone’s parental rights.
Cases of termination of parental rights may arise in several different situations. The parents may recognize that they cannot provide for their child, so they put their child up for adoption. Or, a government agency may make this choice for the parents because of safety issues like neglect, abuse, or substance use that make the house unfit for the child to live in.
Why Choose Turner Family Law for TPR Cases?
Turner Family Law has served as a trusted legal advocate for many parents going through the process of terminating their rights. When someone works with us, here’s some of what we can offer them:
- Experience with high-stakes custody and adoption cases
- Compassionate support for families and guardians
- Local knowledge of Rock Hill family court proceedings
- Defense against unjustified involuntary termination
- Protect the person’s due process and parental dignity
We understand how challenging and emotionally charged these situations can be for parents. We provide timely and practical answers to their questions and unwavering advocacy at all stages of the case.
Common Reasons for Termination of Parental Rights
A court or government agency may decide to terminate parental rights for many different reasons, including:
- Abuse, neglect, or abandonment
- Failure to support or maintain contact
- Adoption or stepparent adoption situations
- Determination that terminating a parent’s rights is in the child’s best interests
Our law firm can help explain and protect your legal rights and arm you with targeted recommendations for how to address the situation.
Additionally, we can represent you in court and file the necessary court and administrative forms.
Serving Families Across Rock Hill and York County
We have helped many clients navigate the legal process of terminating parental rights. Here’s what Jess Mayberry had to say about her experience with our legal team:
“Made all our dreams come true. After years of turmoil following an ugly divorce, we sought full custody. Things took an unexpected turn, and our case changed from custody to relinquishing of rights and adoption. Michael and his team have rolled smoothly with all the punches. He made sure that throughout all the changes, we still had everything completed per the state and judge standards. They provided exceptional service and direction. All of our questions, emails, and calls were answered in a timely manner. Out of all the attorneys I have retained, this will be the one I will return to.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Termination of Parental Rights in SC
Who can file to terminate someone’s parental rights?
Nearly any interested party who knows the child, such as a grandparent, close relative, sibling, or foster parent, can ask the court to terminate someone’s parental rights. The court and the government would then hold a hearing and follow a specific legal process to decide if terminating the parent’s rights would be appropriate.
What are the legal grounds for termination in South Carolina?
The legal grounds for terminating someone’s parental rights include significant cases of abuse, neglect, drug use, alcohol abuse, or other ongoing safety concerns.
Can parental rights be reinstated once terminated?
Currently, parental rights cannot be reinstated once they have been terminated.
How does TPR affect future custody or adoption cases?
Someone whose parental rights have been terminated may run into issues with custody and adoption later on. For example, the court will want to know what led to the termination and how it might impact someone’s ability to raise a child.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation About Parental Rights Termination
If you have questions about the termination of parental rights process in South Carolina, Turner Family Law can help. We assist clients by offering them well-researched and empathetic recommendations to help guide them through this situation. We can also file forms, review documents and notices, and represent people in termination of parental rights court proceedings, such as hearings, so that our clients feel supported. Reach out to our law firm today by dialing 864-778-2734 and scheduling a no-obligation consultation.
