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Do You Need a Termination of Parental Rights Lawyer in North Carolina?

Few situations are as painful as that of a child who must lose their relationship with a natural parent. However, sometimes termination of parental rights is inevitable and necessary to protect the child and provide them with a stable, secure home. Circumstances like violence, substance abuse, and extreme neglect can affect child custody, and may lead to the loss of parental rights. In some cases, a parent may voluntarily terminate their parental rights when their child is up for adoption. This may be a step towards bringing a new parent into a child’s life, which can be a happy change for the child. A termination of parental rights lawyer can assist with coordinating these changes.

On the other hand, in some cases, a loving and committed parent may face false allegations of child abuse or neglect when a malicious ex-spouse attempts to undermine their relationship with the child.

Whether you are pursuing or defending against termination of parental rights in North Carolina, you can trust our skilled lawyers to speak on your behalf and protect your rights. Contact us at Speaks Law Firm, PC Family Law Division today to schedule a case review.

Handling All Types of North Carolina Termination of Parental Rights Cases

Contact us today to schedule a case review if:

  • You suspect your co-parent of severe child neglect or abuse
  • You are facing wrongful child abuse allegations from a co-parent who challenges your parental rights on false grounds
  • You are a relative and/or guardian who has provided a home for a formerly neglected or abused child for the past two years
  • You have questions about the legal process for termination of parental rights in NC
  • You seek to terminate parental rights to facilitate an adoption

Why Would Someone Lose Their Parental Rights in North Carolina?

Common grounds for terminating parental rights in NC include:

  • Continuous or severe child neglect, abuse, or abandonment
  • Sexual abuse
  • Chronic substance abuse on the part of the parent
  • A parent’s mental illness or another form of incapacity
  • Certain felony convictions, such as violent crimes against the child or other household members
  • A parent’s imprisonment and lack of any suitable family members who would be ready to assume guardianship of the child

Additionally, a parent may willingly accept termination of their own parental rights if they have chosen to give their child up for adoption.

The Termination of Parental Rights Procedure in NC

After a North Carolina court receives a termination of parental rights petition, the court will schedule a hearing that includes two stages:

  • Adjudication, in which the petitioner has to present clear, compelling proof of circumstances that would serve as grounds to terminate parental rights (abuse, neglect, abandonment, etc).
  • Disposition, in which the court determines whether severing the ties between the parent and the child would serve the child’s interests.

If the child has no parent or guardian to take care of them, the child will typically go to foster care. The state must usually file a petition before placing a child in foster care, except in cases of abandoned infants, children who have spent at least 15 out of the past 22 months in foster care, children whose parent(s) committed severe felony assaults upon the child or one of their other children, or children whose parent(s) murdered another of their children.

A skilled North Carolina family lawyer can help you source and present the relevant evidence for your termination of parental rights case. Contact our legal team today to schedule a case review.

Who Can Petition for Termination of Parental Rights in North Carolina?

The following parties can file a petition for the termination of parental rights in NC:

  • One of the child’s parents seeking to terminate the rights of the other parent
  • Prospective adoptive family members, like grandparents or an aunt or uncle, with whom the child has resided for two years before the filing
  • The child’s court-appointed “guardian of the person”
  • The local Child Protective Services

Schedule a Case Review for Termination of Parental Rights in North Carolina

Whether you are a family member or guardian who is preparing to file a petition to terminate parental rights in North Carolina or a parent seeking to defend your parental rights against termination, we can help.

Our dedicated team of family law attorneys will be the voice that speaks for you, representing your interests throughout every step of your termination of parental rights case. We’re here to provide trusted legal counsel, to protect your rights, and to help you handle all the legal hurdles you may face in the course of addressing this matter.

Contact us at Speaks Law Firm, PC Family Law Division today to schedule a case review with our parental rights lawyer team in the Wilmington, NC area.

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Why Choose Speaks Law Firm, PC Family Law Division?

Passion – Our family law attorneys, Justin Moulin and Sarah Gray, are dedicated to helping clients with legal matters involving divorce and family issues in Wilmington, North Carolina. We put clients’ needs first, and we are passionate about helping people through emotionally difficult times.
Experience – When dealing with family legal issues, you need someone with a proven track record. Sarah Gray and Justin Moulin have dedicated their careers to representing families. Sarah has more than 10 years of experience representing clients, while Justin has worked in multiple counties in North Carolina and has focused on custody and child support actions, protective order hearings, alimony claims, property division, and divorce.
Case review – You can have peace of mind when you discuss your needs with us. We will review your circumstances and goals. In this discussion, we can create a plan for you and determine your challenges and opportunities. Fill out our online form to schedule a case evaluation.

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What Our Clients Are Saying

Client Review | Wilmington, NC 28401 | Speaks Family Law
  • I was very pleased with the way that Speaks Family Law handled my case. They worked hard to get the most money that they could. Everyone at the firm was always polite and always answered all of my concerns. I would definitely recommend Speaks Family Law to anyone who needs representation. I always knew that they were there anytime I needed them. A big “Thank you!” goes out to all of the people who are involved with the firm.

    - KE -

  • “She was amazing, she was able to give me the information I needed and was straight forward about what was possible regarding my son. She has made me feel confident in knowing that father’s have just as much legal rights to kids as moms. If I need legal help regarding anything further I will be contacting her again for sure.”

    - D. L. -

  • It was a very helpful experience and I am especially grateful for the way they answered my questions and helped me navigate what would have been a much more difficult situation. I felt that my interests were fought for and taken care of and would hightly recommend anyone who might go through this to be respresented by Speaks Law Firm, PC Family Law Division.

    - S.H. -

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