Termination of Rights

North Carolina Divorce Law Divorce and Separation Answers
1

I’ve read that parental rights can be terminated if there is a step-parent willing to adopt.

How does the court consider the noncustodial parent’s involvement with the child when there is a question of adoption and termination of rights? In a case where there is infrequent visitation and unpaid support, would it be possible to offer to terminate rights and terminate support obligations and forgive arrears, even though visitation is occasionally exercised? In other words, can we offer to trade?

2

Unpaid support and a failure of involvement in the child’s life are grounds to seek a termination, however the parties themselves cannot consent, therefore bargaining is not helpful in this situation The court will determine if the termination is in the child’s best interests.