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Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(1) Except in the case of an Indian child and his or her parent, the parent-child relationship of a parent may be terminated upon a showing by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child to terminate the relationship and that the parent has failed to perform parental duties under circumstances showing a substantial lack of regard for his or her parental obligations and is withholding consent to adoption contrary to the best interest of the child.
(2) Except in the case of an Indian child and his or her *alleged father, the parent-child relationship of an *alleged father who appears and claims paternity may be terminated upon a showing by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence that it is in the best interest of the child to terminate the relationship and that:
(a) The *alleged father has failed to perform parental duties under circumstances showing a substantial lack of regard for his parental obligations and is withholding consent to adoption contrary to the best interest of the child; or
(b) He is not the father.
(3) The parent-child relationship of a parent or an *alleged father may be terminated if the parent or *alleged father fails to appear after being notified of the hearing in the manner prescribed by RCW 26.33.310.
(4) The parent-child relationship of an Indian child and his or her parent or *alleged father where paternity has been claimed or established, may be terminated only pursuant to the standards set forth in 25 U.S.C. Sec. 1912(f).
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Washington Revised Code Title 26. Domestic Relations § 26.33.120. Termination--Grounds--Failure to appear - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/wa/title-26-domestic-relations/wa-rev-code-26-33-120/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
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