Can I give up my parental rights in Florida?

Under Florida Statute 39.806, parental rights may be terminated due to a number of circumstances including: voluntary surrender by the parent; abandonment; conduct that threatens the life, safety, well-being, physical, mental or emotional health of the child; when a parent is incarcerated; when the state has …

How does drug use affect child custody?

If one parent has a significant criminal history or there are signs of substance abuse, those issues can definitely play into a custody determination. A history of alcohol or drug abuse can significantly affect your custody agreement and influence the Court’s decision when granting access to your child.

How do I voluntarily terminate parental rights in Florida?

The process for terminating parental rights begins with filing a petition with the family court. Someone who has physical custody of the child, a close relative, or guardian ad litem may file the petition. The petition must include the reasons why you believe parental rights should be terminated.

What deems a parent unfit in Florida?

According to Florida Statute 751.05, in order for a parent to be found unfit, they must have abused, neglected, or abandoned the child. A parent may also be found “unfit” if they have a recent or long-standing history of drug abuse or mental illness.

How long does a parent have to be absent to lose rights in Florida?

This means that if a parent is unable to be located for a period of 60 days or more, the court might, depending on the circumstances, strip the absent parent of his or her parental rights, awarding those rights to another party. The best interests of the child are paramount in this situation.

How do I file abandonment of a child in Florida?

To establish abandonment, you must show that the parent is able to significantly contribute to the child’s care and maintenance or that the parent has failed to establish and maintain a positive and substantial relationship with the child.

Can a mother lose custody for drug use in Florida?

A parent can actually lose time-sharing with their child because of an addiction. That is one of the rare instances where the other parent can actually get full custody and take parental rights if someone presents possible harm to the child.

Can you give up parental rights?

You may voluntarily give up your parental rights if someone else wants to adopt the child, or if someone else has filed a petition to terminate your rights. You will typically need to go to a court hearing to let the judge know your wishes in person.

How long does a father have to be absent to lose his rights in Florida?

What makes a father unfit in the eyes of the court?

Factors Judges Use to Determine if a Parent is Unfit The safety, health, and welfare of the child. Evidence of a history of abuse or violence against the child, another child, the child’s other parent, or another romantic partner. A parent’s history of substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol.