Pittsburgh, PA asked in Child Custody for Pennsylvania

Q: I heard from someone that if the parent has no contact within six months that they can lose their parental rights?

I have full physical custody and he has partial.

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2 Lawyer Answers
Cary B. Hall
Cary B. Hall
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Norristown, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: That is one legal ground for a court ordering an involuntary termination of parental rights, yes. But there's more to such a determination than just that factor.

In addition, courts don't just terminate parental rights willy-nilly; they expect someone else to stand in the absent parent's shoes -- like formally adopting the child.

If you're looking to terminate father's parental rights, I suggest you sit down with an experienced family law attorney in your jurisdiction to go over the law and your various options. Best of luck to you.

1 user found this answer helpful

Kathryn Hilbush
Kathryn Hilbush
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Media, PA
  • Licensed in Pennsylvania

A: I agree with Attorney Hall. Failure to perform parental duties for a period of six months or more canbe grounds to terminate parental rights, but almost always that would be in conjunction with an adoption petition. You should meet with an experienced family law attorney to obtain more information pertaining to your particular situation.

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