What type of action can I file to ensure my daughter's father can never take her?

02/08/2007 - Category:Paternity - Parental Rights - State: KS #500

Full Question:

How do I file papers to keep my daughter who has been with me all her life? Her father and I were never married. He left when she was a baby. Now she is 11 and I don't want to lose her.

Answer:

You could file an action to terminate his parental rights on the grounds of abandonment and nonsupport. In certain circumstances, a termination action may be brought by the state or a person alleging that a parent has abandoned the child. As in all cases involving termination of parental rights, the right of parents to their offspring is fundamental, and thus clear and convincing evidence of abandonment must be shown.

The court will consider whether the conduct of the parent is intentional, and whether it shows a conscious disregard of the normal obligations owed by a parent to a child, leading to the destruction of the parent-child relationship.

The state has broad power with respect to the rights of parents over their children when the childrens welfare is concerned. Preservation of the family is a public concern. State statutes which provide for the termination of parental rights are strictly construed in favor of the parent and family preservation.

Please see the information at the following links: Please see the forms at the following links:

02/08/2007 - Category: Parental Rights - State: KS #500

See more Questions in the Parental Rights Category