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Termination of Parental Rights

Child Custody Attorney Assisting Jackson Residents and Other Parents

The termination of parental rights is a serious, relatively permanent matter, and Jackson child custody lawyer M. Devin Whitt believes that it should be recognized as such. The interest of parents in the care, custody and control of their children is perhaps the oldest of constitutional rights recognized by the United States Supreme Court. Some of the legal rights of a parent regarding his or her child include the right to control and the right to receive notice of certain legal proceedings regarding the child. However, in Mississippi, these parental rights may be forfeited voluntarily through a written release executed by the parent, or the relationship of the parent and child may be terminated involuntarily if certain factors are present as indicated in Section 93-15-103 of the Mississippi Code Annotated.

The presence of at least one of the following factors can be sufficient grounds for the termination of a parent’s rights:

  1. Desertion or abandonment of the child by the parent;
  2. Contact not having been made with the child for a significant period of time (at least six months for a child younger than three years old or at least one year for a child three years old or older);
  3. Evidence of multiple abusive events for which the parent is responsible concerning at least one child;
  4. If a licensed child care agency or the Department of Human Resources has had custody of the child for at least twelve months, the agency has made significant efforts to create and employ a plan which would allow the child to return to the custody of his or her parent, and the parent has not pursued visitation with the child although options were made available or the parent has agreed to a plan for return of the child to him or her but has not implemented the plan;
  5. Exhibition of ongoing behavior by the parent which would not allow for the return of the child to the parent (such as a drug or alcohol addiction, mental illness, or physical incapacitation);
  6. Extreme hatred expressed by the child regarding the parent, or some extensive deterioration of the parent-child relationship due to the parent’s neglect, abuse, absence, failure to contact, or imprisonment;
  7. Conviction of the parent of certain criminal offenses against a child or children; or
  8. Abuse or neglect of the child as recognized by a court, the child has been removed from the parent’s custody for placement elsewhere, and a court has determined that allowing the parent to reunite with the child would not be in the best interest of the child.

As described in Section 93-15-107 of the Mississippi Code Annotated, in a proceeding to terminate parental rights, the parent(s) whose rights are sought to be terminated are considered defendants. A person known as a guardian ad litem will be appointed to represent the best interests of the child by essentially acting as an investigator into the lives of the parties involved in the proceedings in search of the truth. The guardian ad litem will present a report to the presiding chancellor or judge of his or her findings and recommendations. After hearing and analyzing all the evidence, the presiding chancellor or judge will decide whether to terminate the parental rights of the defendant(s) based on the presence or absence of the factors discussed above. Importantly, the law clearly states that termination of the parental rights of one parent may be made without affecting the parental rights of the other parent if the evidence and circumstances point in that direction.

As an experienced child custody lawyer in Jackson, I will fervently protect your interests and offer expert legal advice, including a plan of action to accomplish your desired results. I have the expertise and passion needed to guide you through your family crisis. Should you need professional representation in a case involving termination of parental rights, please contact my firm , The Law Offices of M. Devin Whitt, PLLC, at 601-607-5055 and set up a free consultation with a Jackson child custody attorney.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
Devin handled my case with the attention and compassion you need when going through tough times in life. I always felt he had my back and fought for my best interests at all times throughout the ordeal. I would recommend Devin to anyone in need of an attorney. In fact, I already have! Keith C.
★★★★★
From the first time that I met Devin he was very friendly, courteous and passionate of being the Attorney that he would want serving him. He spent countless hours working to ensure that fair treatment was being delivered to me and my family. Very organized, timely, response to all my request. I had a very complicated case that extended longer than anticipated and he stayed on task, very optimistic, very driven for results and was able to deliver what I was seeking out for from the first meeting that I had with him. He never mislead me or promised me the world. He was very objective and realistic in what he felt he could deliver. I appreciate all that he did for me during this time and I will continue to use him for all of my future needs. If you family ever needs honorable, competent, caring representation in a case, then Devin Whitt is the Attorney you will be pleased with. Michael D.
★★★★★
Devin Whitt was very helpful and successful on achieving the desired results for my case! My case was over a year long, and Devin sought additional ways needed to solve my legal issues. He could’ve quit and said, “That’s the way it is”, but he continued to go to bat for me until he hit the HOMERUN. Even after the successful case, Devin called to check on me to ensure that I knew the additional steps needed to completely clear my name. Devin was prompt when returning phone calls. I have recommended Devin once and would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone regardless of their legal issues. If you want to be successful in your case, don’t look any farther. Pick up the phone and call Devin! Immediately!! Parker R.
★★★★★
My experience with Mr. Whitt was positive from the first moment I consulted with him. I can't think Mr. Whitt enough for his help with my custody case. He was attentive, thorough, and helpful throughout a difficult time for me. He always kept me updated with the progress of my case and made me feel as if we were working together as a team. He was always available to me when I had questions pertaining to the matter, and he was always willing to take the extra time to make sure I understood everything in the process. I highly recommend Devin Whitt! Jennifer N.
★★★★★
Attorney Devin Whitt is awesome! He told me that he was going to do his best, and his best exceeded my expectations! For excellent representation, I highly recommend Attorney Whitt! Althea S.
★★★★★
Devin Whitt is absolutely the person you need to call when needing representation in a divorce case! He is the reason today that i have full custody of my 3 boys. Devin fought when nobody else gave me any hope. These days when many attorneys will concede children over to alcoholic and drug addicted mothers Devin said NO! He stood up and fought for me and my boys and we won. Thanks to Devin they are now in a stable home with me and their step mother, doing well in school and bright futures ahead. The alternative would have been living with an alcoholic and drug addicted mother and boyfriend. Thank you Devin for all you have done for me and my boys! Do not hesitate, CALL Devin Whitt today and be represented by the best!. David A.