This informational guide reviews state laws that detail the specific circumstances that must be present when a court terminates the legal parent-child relationship.
Guam Grounds for Involuntary Termination of Parental Rights: In Guam, the grounds for the involuntary termination of parental rights are set forth under the Uniform Juvenile Code, specifically in Title 19 of the Guam Code Annotated. These grounds provide the legal basis for a court to permanently sever the relationship between a parent or parents and their child due to certain circumstances or actions that are deemed harmful or detrimental to the well-being of the child. The following are the different types of grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights in Guam: 1. Abuse or Neglect: A parent can be considered unfit if they have subjected their child to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, or if they have consistently failed to provide proper care, supervision, and support to the child, leading to neglect or endangerment. 2. Abandonment: If a parent has willfully failed to maintain a significant relationship with their child for a prolonged period without justifiable cause or without providing adequate support or communication, it can be considered abandonment and may be grounds for termination of parental rights. 3. Substance Abuse: When a parent's addiction to drugs or alcohol significantly impairs their ability to fulfill their parental responsibilities and places the child at risk of harm, the court may determine that termination of parental rights is necessary. 4. Mental Illness: If a parent is suffering from a severe and chronic mental illness that renders them unable to adequately care for their child, causing potential harm or placing the child at risk, the court may decide that termination of parental rights is in the child's best interest. 5. Incarceration: Prolonged incarceration of a parent can be a basis for involuntary termination if the court finds that the imprisonment prevents the parent from fulfilling their parental duties and maintaining a healthy relationship with their child. 6. Severe or Chronic Parental Substance Abuse: Similar to substance abuse, if a parent's prolonged and severe abuse of drugs or alcohol poses a significant risk to the child's safety, well-being, and development, it can be grounds for termination of parental rights. 7. Failure to Support: If a parent has willfully failed to provide financial support or maintain a consistent and meaningful relationship with the child, despite having the ability to do so, it may be a basis for involuntary termination of parental rights. It is crucial to note that the court's decision to terminate parental rights is made based on the best interest of the child. Guam law emphasizes the importance of ensuring the child's safety, welfare, and healthy development when considering the grounds for involuntary termination of parental rights.
