What are the legal processes for terminating a parent’s rights so a grandparent can adopt their grandchild?

In North Carolina, legal processes for terminating a parent’s rights to their child so that a grandparent can adopt their grandchild involves filing a petition in the county where the child lives with the clerk of court. This petition must include the specific allegations for why the grandparent should adopt the child and why terminating the biological parent’s rights is in the child’s best interest. The court will also conduct an investigation into the circumstances of the child’s home life. The court must also decide if terminating the parent’s rights is in the best interest of the child. Factors that the court will consider when making this determination include whether an ongoing relationship with the parent would be consistent with the child’s emotional and physical health and safety, the child’s preference, the parent’s ability to provide a safe and nurturing environment for the child, and the parent’s history of neglect, abuse, or abandonment of the child. If the court finds that terminating the parent’s rights is in the best interest of the child, then a hearing will be held to address any remaining matters. During the hearing, the court will consider any rebuttal evidence from the parents and will hear testimony from any experts involved in the case. The court then decides whether the grandparent is suitable to adopt the child and will issue a final order granting the adoption.

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What are the legal processes for terminating a parent’s rights so a grandparent can adopt their grandchild?

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