If my rights to my child were terminated by a state and I feel they were done so illegally, how can I find out?
Asked in Cherryville, NC on January 29, 2026 Last answered on September 22, 2026My rights were terminated so sge could be adopted. I wasn't aware of this and was not notified. My daughter contacted me through some friends and wants to come live with me. I don't believe the state made any effort or followed the SOP to locate or inform me. They admitted in open court they dud not publicly announce it. Since she was adopted she was returned to the state for foster care. The court told me they could do nothing. I took a DNA test and am positively the biological father. The court said they added me to the birth certificate as the father but I don't have any rights to her.
Since the courts and DSS have allowed me supervised visits, I drive 6 hours one way to visit her 2x a month for a few hours each visit. I drove 4 hours one way to be in court for her reviews and petition for custody 9 trips in total. I own my own home. I have a bedroom for her and am financially able to support her. She is 17 now and I feel her and my rights may have been violated.
1 answer
Virtual Appointments If your parental rights were terminated and you believe the process was not handled properly, it is important to have the case reviewed by an attorney as soon as possible. An attorney can examine the court file, the evidence presented, the court's findings, and whether the required legal procedures were followed.
In many cases, parents have the right to appeal a termination of parental rights order, but strict deadlines often apply. Even if the appeal deadline has passed, there may be other legal avenues available in limited circumstances, depending on the facts of the case and the laws of the state involved.
To better understand what occurred, you can obtain copies of court orders, hearing transcripts, and other records from the case. These documents may help determine whether there were procedural errors, due process concerns, or other issues that could affect the validity of the decision.
Because termination of parental rights is one of the most serious actions a court can take, anyone who believes the decision was reached improperly should seek legal advice promptly to understand their rights and potential options.
This response is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice.
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