Does sole legal custody terminate parental rights?

Does being granted sole custody terminate the other parent’s parental rights?

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No, sole legal custody does not terminate parental rights.

Sole legal custody refers to a custody arrangement in which one parent has the legal authority to make decisions regarding the child’s upbringing, including matters related to education, healthcare, and religion. The parent with sole legal custody has the sole authority to make these decisions without needing to consult the other parent.

However, even if one parent is granted sole legal custody, both parents typically retain their parental rights, including the right to visitation or parenting time with the child, unless those rights have been legally terminated by a court.

Termination of parental rights is a separate legal process that permanently severs the legal relationship between a parent and a child, typically due to circumstances such as abandonment, neglect, abuse, or unfitness to parent. It is a serious and irreversible action that requires a court order and typically involves a thorough legal proceeding to determine whether termination is in the best interests of the child.

In summary, while sole legal custody may grant one parent the authority to make decisions for the child, it does not automatically terminate the other parent’s parental rights. Termination of parental rights is a separate legal process that must be pursued and granted by a court.

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No, being granted sole legal custody does not terminate the other parent’s parental rights. Sole legal custody means that one parent has the authority to make major decisions about the child’s upbringing, such as education, medical care, and religious practices.

However, the non-custodial parent still retains their parental rights, which may include visitation and involvement in the child’s life.

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This is surely well put! Really answered all the questions I had regarding this topic.

Thanks for clarifying! It’s helpful to understand that sole legal custody doesn’t terminate the other parent’s parental rights. Knowing that it primarily affects decision-making authority while the non-custodial parent can still retain rights like visitation is important. I appreciate the clear explanation!