This informational guide reviews state laws that detail the specific circumstances that must be present when a court terminates the legal parent-child relationship.
In Kentucky, the grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights are governed by the Kentucky Revised Statutes (MRS). In a situation where the court deems it necessary to strip a parent of their parental rights, several specific circumstances can lead to involuntary termination. It is important to note that each case is unique, and the court examines the best interests of the child before making a decision. One of the grounds for involuntary termination in Kentucky is abuse or neglect (MRS 625.090). If there is evidence of a parent subjecting their child to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or if the child has suffered neglect, the court may terminate parental rights to protect the child's well-being. Another ground for involuntary termination is abandonment (MRS 625.040). If a parent leaves their child without communication or support for a specific period, Kentucky law considers this abandonment. The duration of abandonment can vary depending on the child's age and circumstances, but generally, it requires a significant period of neglect. Substance abuse is also a common ground for involuntary termination (MRS 625.090). If a parent's substance abuse puts the child at risk, whether it's drugs or alcohol, the court may deem it grounds for termination. Evidence of a parent's ongoing drug or alcohol addiction, resulting in the inability to provide a safe environment, can support such a decision. The court may also terminate parental rights if there is evidence of severe or chronic mental illness (MRS 625.090). If a parent's mental illness poses a risk to the child's safety or hinders their ability to provide proper care, the court may find it necessary to terminate parental rights. In cases where a child has been placed in foster care due to parental abuse or neglect, the court may terminate parental rights based on compelling reasons (MRS 625.090). This ground is generally utilized when efforts to reunify the parent and child have been unsuccessful, and it is deemed in the child's best interests to grant permanent custody to a new caretaker. Furthermore, if a parent has been convicted of a felony involving a crime against their child or another family member, this can be considered grounds for involuntary termination (MRS 625.090). It is important to consult with an experienced family attorney and refer to the Kentucky Revised Statutes for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights in Kentucky. Court decisions regarding termination are made on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the child's welfare.In Kentucky, the grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights are governed by the Kentucky Revised Statutes (MRS). In a situation where the court deems it necessary to strip a parent of their parental rights, several specific circumstances can lead to involuntary termination. It is important to note that each case is unique, and the court examines the best interests of the child before making a decision. One of the grounds for involuntary termination in Kentucky is abuse or neglect (MRS 625.090). If there is evidence of a parent subjecting their child to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or if the child has suffered neglect, the court may terminate parental rights to protect the child's well-being. Another ground for involuntary termination is abandonment (MRS 625.040). If a parent leaves their child without communication or support for a specific period, Kentucky law considers this abandonment. The duration of abandonment can vary depending on the child's age and circumstances, but generally, it requires a significant period of neglect. Substance abuse is also a common ground for involuntary termination (MRS 625.090). If a parent's substance abuse puts the child at risk, whether it's drugs or alcohol, the court may deem it grounds for termination. Evidence of a parent's ongoing drug or alcohol addiction, resulting in the inability to provide a safe environment, can support such a decision. The court may also terminate parental rights if there is evidence of severe or chronic mental illness (MRS 625.090). If a parent's mental illness poses a risk to the child's safety or hinders their ability to provide proper care, the court may find it necessary to terminate parental rights. In cases where a child has been placed in foster care due to parental abuse or neglect, the court may terminate parental rights based on compelling reasons (MRS 625.090). This ground is generally utilized when efforts to reunify the parent and child have been unsuccessful, and it is deemed in the child's best interests to grant permanent custody to a new caretaker. Furthermore, if a parent has been convicted of a felony involving a crime against their child or another family member, this can be considered grounds for involuntary termination (MRS 625.090). It is important to consult with an experienced family attorney and refer to the Kentucky Revised Statutes for accurate and up-to-date information regarding the grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights in Kentucky. Court decisions regarding termination are made on a case-by-case basis, prioritizing the child's welfare.
