Termination of Parental Rights in New Jersey

Navigating parental right situations in NJ family court

The prospect of losing parental rights can be devastating both to parents and to children. At Murano & Roth, LLC, we dedicate and devote the time and energy needed to give family members every opportunity to maintain healthy relationships with one another. If our investigation indicates genuine parental wrongdoing, we will do everything in our power to protect the children. But if you have been falsely accused of abuse or neglect, we will fight aggressively for the return of your parental rights.

Reasons for termination

Termination proceedings are initiated by the New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCPP) following what should be a thorough investigation. As a government agency, it is responsible for ensuring the children of the state are cared for and safe. The division is required to investigate all allegations of child abuse, neglect, or parental unfitness. If there is clear evidence that a child's parents create a danger, the DCPP moves to eliminate the parents' rights and seek appropriate caregivers for the children.

A divorcing parent may lose parental rights if his or her spouse makes allegations relating to any of the following:

• Child abuse
• Neglect
• Lack of a permanent home
• Abandonment
• Physical inability to care for a child
• Substance abuse
• Criminal conduct against the child

The DCPP generally only moves to terminate your parental rights if the following are true:

• It has tried to help you
• You have not corrected your problems
• There are no other alternatives
• Terminating your rights will benefit more than hurt your child

Termination of parental rights will result in the following:

• You will no longer be able to contact your child in any way
• You will not be able to access to your child's medical or education records
• You will not be able to monitor your child's development
• Most likely, you will be required to continue paying child support

Zealous defense for wrongful termination of parental rights

The work of the DCPP is crucial to protecting children where cases of abuse and neglect exist. Unfortunately, in pursuing this very necessary task, the DCP&P can be overwhelmed by the volume of cases. It also can be led astray by a parent involved in a down-and-dirty custody or divorce dispute. That is when good parents -- and their children -- can fall victim to the system. Even if the truth is revealed before termination proceeds, the damage done to the defending parent's reputation and rights in the divorce proceeding is difficult to overcome.

Because these tactics are so common, our attorneys have considerable experience investigating and defending against trumped-up allegations that undermine a parent's rights.

Contact us for help preserving your parental rights

Let us protect your interests in a contentious divorce. Our attorneys understand what is at stake and fight vigorously not only to prevent termination but to protect your rights in the divorce. Contact Murano & Roth, LLC online or at 201.265.3400 for a free 30-minute consultation.

“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”
- Abraham Lincoln