How Long Does a Parent Have to be Absent to Lose Rights in Georgia?

At Your Law Firm, we often hear the question: “How long does a parent have to be absent to lose rights in Georgia?” – especially in grandparent adoption cases. 

The law stipulates that if a parent fails to communicate or pay child support for a year or longer, they could be at risk of losing their parental rights. 

Similarly, if there’s clear evidence of the parent’s intent to forgo duties and relinquish claims for six months or more, this could also lead to the termination of parental rights.

Let’s take a deeper look into this important adoption issue.

Grounds for Parental Abandonment in Georgia

Georgia law defines parental abandonment as a situation where a parent has failed to maintain a relationship with their child, either through communication or financial support, for at least one year. 

This includes not only neglecting to visit or communicate but also failing to provide child support. 

If it can be proven that a parent has demonstrated clear intent to forgo their duties and relinquish their claims over a period of six months or more without any communication, visits, or any other conduct that shows this, they may be deemed to have abandoned their child.

How We Can Help

At Your Law Firm, we do an extensive search into the background of the parents, to build the best possible case to present to the court to terminate the parental rights of your grandchild’s parents.

We will advocate for you with multiple statutory grounds, that way if we lose out on one, we still have a fighting chance in the rest.

If you’d like to learn more about what’s needed, give us a call – we’re here to serve any way we can.

How Long Does a Father Have to be Absent to Lose His Rights?

In Georgia, the length of time a father needs to be absent to lose his rights is the same as any other parent, whether it’s in a grandparent adoption or another type of custody case. 

If a father fails to communicate or pay child support for a year or longer, he may lose his parental rights. 

Furthermore, if there is clear evidence showing that the father intends to abandon his responsibilities and claims for six months or more, then he may be considered to have abandoned his child.

Georgia DFCS Termination of Parental Rights

The Georgia Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) plays a significant role in the termination of parental rights, even in grandparent adoption cases.

If a parent has been absent for the specified periods as mentioned above and DFCS determines that it’s in the best interest of the child, the department can initiate proceedings to terminate parental rights.

This allows for the possibility of adoption by the grandparents or other suitable individuals.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the laws around parental rights and abandonment in Georgia is crucial, particularly for grandparents considering adoption. 

Feel free to give us a call at Your Law Firm to ensure you have accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific adoption case.