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Terminating Parental Rights

Terminating parental rights is a serious proposition: once they’re terminated, that person is no longer considered their child’s legal parent. This is a difficult situation for both parents and the child. Minnesota has nine situations in which a parent’s rights to their child can be removed for good.

Parental rights hinge on:

  1. Abandonment: Legally, abandonment occurs when a parent fails to have regular contact with their children or show interest in their well-being for six months, absent a good reason.
  2. Absent birth father: An absent birth father was not married to the mother at the time of birth or conception, is not listed on the birth certificate, has no involvement with the child including financial support and has not registered with the father’s adoption registry.
  3. Egregious harm to the child: Sometimes, when a child is severely hurt in a parent’s care, their rights may be taken away.
  4. Failing to improve after children are put in foster care: When children are placed in temporary foster care, the parents are expected to fix the reason they were taken away. If they fail to do this, their rights may be terminated.
  5. Lack of financial support: If there’s a court order for child support but the parent refuses to pay, their rights can be terminated. Two or three missed payments, a compelling reason and modification do not rise to the level of financial abandonment.
  6. Neglect while in foster care: When the children are in foster care and cannot go home—and/or the parent fails to visit or support them financially while in foster care—rights may be terminated.
  7. Neglect: When a parent can provide for their child’s needs—food, shelter, education, clothing and more—but fail to do so, they are considered neglectful.
  8. Serious criminal conviction: Typically, this means a conviction for killing a child or committing assault against one’s own children.
  9. Unfit parent: If a parent’s behavior demonstrates they cannot (or aren’t willing to) take are of the child’s physical, mental and emotional health, they may be deemed an unfit parent.

If you’re concerned about termination of parental rights, the compassionate family lawyers at Appelhof, Pfeifer & Hart, P.A. in Minneapolis can help. Call today to get started.

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  • "Mary from APH Law helped me thru a difficult divorce. She and the entire staff was there for me every step of the way helping me on what to do next. They listened to what I wanted and helped me achieve what matter the most to me in the divorce settlement." - Dana C.

  • "I chose APH after my initial consultation with Mary. I felt my best interest would be represented. The entire process went excellent, the attorneys and staff communicated effectively and efficiently with me throughout the process as they needed to. Being new to the legal process and verbiage, they walked me and talked me through the next steps and the jargon, I felt completely comfortable and represented. I hope I never have to use legal services again but if I do I will call Mary at APH Law and know that I will be taken care of." - Jeff M.

  • "Divorce is a time of emotion and stress. Mary Pfeifer , My lawyer was professional and compassionate. She was very informative through the process. Her insight helped me in my decisions. She worked hard to obtain a settlement which was fair to both parties. Though, I hope I won't need her help again. It is reassuring to know a good person that is willing to help." - Rod S.

  • "I first came to Ms. Jacquelyn Lutz of Appelhof, Pfeifer and Hart in October of 2016. It was definitely the worst time in my life and she compassionately spoke with me about my options. Ms. Lutz thoroughly explained the laws, statutes, process and what to expect going forward. What was supposed to be one case, turned into three intricate cases that took a huge toll on me and my family. Ms. Lutz represented me in court on all three cases with a vast knowledge of the laws and how to proceed accordingly. During all three cases she kept me informed, calm, gave me resources to utilize, and (most important) gave me a realistic view of what may come next. Ms. Lutz knew each case required a great deal of knowledge and creative thinking on how to legally proceed forward with each case. My family and friends are forever grateful for the amazing representation by Ms. Lutz. I highly recommend Ms. Lutz for anyone needing or considering superb representation for any kind of family law. " - M.H.

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