What are the grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights in Washington DC?

In Washington DC, parental rights can be involuntarily terminated on several grounds. For stepparent adoption, the most common ground is abandonment, but other grounds may apply:

Common grounds for termination:

1. Abandonment (Most Common in Stepparent Adoption)

• No meaningful contact for 6+ months (D.C. Code § 16-304)
• This covers over 80% of our cases

2. Failure to Support

• The parent has failed to provide financial support for the child
• Combined with abandonment, this strengthens the case

3. Abuse or Neglect

• History of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
• Documented neglect of the child's basic needs
• Court records or CPS involvement as evidence

4. Incarceration

• Extended incarceration with no effort to maintain the parent-child relationship
• Conviction of certain serious crimes

5. Mental Incapacity

• Permanent inability to care for the child
• No reasonable expectation of recovery

6. Substance Abuse

• Chronic substance abuse affecting parenting ability
• Failed treatment programs

In Washington DC, termination can be handled within the adoption proceeding — one filing.

Cost: $349 for complete document preparation | Court: Superior Court

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