What is an unfit parent?

A parent may have insecurities about their parenting regardless of how good of a parent they are. Parents may wonder what mistakes they are making and if they are neglectful, too involved, too lenient, putting too much pressure on their children, etc. There are hundreds of choices parents can make each day. No parent gets all of these choices right, but this does not make them an unfit parent. When it comes to child custody, a parent may wonder if they are considered “unfit.”

When parents are involved in a child custody case, one parent may threaten the the other with the phrase “unfit parent.” This can strike fear in any good parent, but what does it actually mean?

What does it actually mean to be unfit?

In Utah, the courts may decide to terminate a parent’s rights if they determine that the parent is unfit. A parent is determined to be unfit or incompetent if:

• They are alcoholics or drug addicts;
• They suffer from a mental condition that renders them incapable of attending to their children’s needs, both now and into the future;
• They have a history of violent behavior and have put the children in danger;
• They are abusive toward the children;
• They regularly deny the children food, clothing, education, or housing; and/or
• They are in prison for a felony and have a long sentence.

An attorney who specializes in family law can help a parent who is going through child custody proceedings. They understand that this is a stressful and emotional time for parents and will do everything they can to protect both the parent’s rights and the child’s best interests. To speak with an experience family law attorney about a child custody case, please call Kristopher K. Greenwood & Associates at 801-475-8800.