Full question:
I am a 14 year old living in Nevada with my parents. My parents have abandoned me for the past 8 months. Apparently, they still have rights on me. I have lodged a complaint. What are the grounds under which parental rights can be terminated?
- Category: Husband and Wife
- Subcategory: Termination of Parental Rights
- Date:
- State: Nevada
Answer:
In Nevada, a court can terminate parental rights if it finds clear and convincing evidence of abandonment and that termination is in the child's best interest. According to Nevada Revised Statutes § 128.105:
1. The court must primarily consider the child's best interests when deciding on termination. The court must find that:
- (a) Terminating parental rights serves the child's best interests; and
- (b) The parent's conduct led to a finding under NRS 432B.393 or demonstrated at least one of the following:
- (1) Abandonment of the child;
- (2) Neglect of the child;
- (3) Unfitness of the parent;
- (4) Failure of parental adjustment;
- (5) Risk of serious physical, mental, or emotional injury to the child if returned home;
- (6) Only token efforts by the parent to support or communicate with the child, prevent neglect, avoid being unfit, or eliminate risks to the child;
- (7) Abandonment by one parent in cases of terminating that parent's rights.
2. If the child has been out of the parent's care for at least twelve consecutive months, the court must also consider:
- (a) Placement options for the child;
- (b) The child's age; and
- (c) The child's developmental, cognitive, and psychological needs.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.