A parental rights termination may be initiated by a private individual or Division of Child and Family Services (DCFS). If the action is pursued by DCFS, the Utah Attorney General’s office files a Petition with the juvenile court. If any other interested party filed the action, they would be required to represent themselves or have counsel.
The Court will not terminate without a valid reason. These reasons usually include abandonment or abuse. Parental Rights are fundamental and therefore anyone defending such an action is entitled to an attorney. The Court will be required to make the necessary findings, based on evidence presented to the Court, in order to terminate an individual’s parental rights.
If terminated, all benefits and obligations are also terminated. This includes visitation, decision making and support.
Our office represents interested individuals seeking termination, as well as individuals that are facing termination.