St. Augustine Area's Largest Law Group
Termination of Parental Rights Attorney in St. Augustine
Legal Guidance for TPR Cases in St. Johns and Northeast Florida
The termination of parental rights (TPR) is one of the most serious and life-changing legal actions in Florida family law. Whether you’re a parent seeking to terminate rights, a relative seeking adoption, or a party facing a petition for termination, it’s critical to have experienced legal representation.
As St. Augustine Divorce Attorneys, we handle complex TPR matters with the seriousness and sensitivity they deserve. We assist families throughout St. Johns, Flagler, Putnam, Clay, and Duval Counties in navigating the TPR process under Florida law.
What Is Termination of Parental Rights?
Termination of parental rights legally and permanently ends the legal relationship between a parent and a child. Once terminated, the parent loses all legal rights and responsibilities to the child, including:
Custody and time-sharing
Decision-making rights
Visitation
Child support obligations
Inheritance rights
TPR may be voluntary (requested by a parent) or involuntary (ordered by the court due to serious concerns).
Grounds for Involuntary TPR in Florida
Under Florida Statutes § 39.806, the court may terminate parental rights involuntarily based on:
Abandonment
Chronic substance abuse
Severe or repeated abuse or neglect
Long-term incarceration
Failure to comply with a court-approved case plan
Threats to the child’s physical, emotional, or mental health
Murder or manslaughter of another child or co-parent
The court’s primary standard is always the best interest of the child, and clear and convincing evidence is required.
Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights
Voluntary TPR may occur in specific situations, such as:
Stepparent adoption – where one biological parent agrees to relinquish parental rights
Uncontested adoption by a grandparent or relative
Relinquishment of rights in a dependency or DCF case
Voluntary terminations still require court approval and must demonstrate that the action is in the child’s best interest.
How We Help with TPR Cases
Our attorneys assist in all aspects of the TPR process:
Filing or responding to TPR petitions
Representing parents accused of abuse, neglect, or abandonment
Advising relatives or foster parents seeking to adopt
Handling contested TPR hearings in dependency court
Coordinating with DCF, GALs, and other court-appointed professionals
Ensuring compliance with statutory procedures and evidentiary rules
We understand the high stakes involved and provide clear, compassionate, and strategic legal counsel every step of the way.
Serving Clients Across Northeast Florida
We represent clients in TPR and family law matters across:
St. Johns County – St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Julington Creek, Vilano Beach, Palm Valley
Flagler County – Palm Coast, Flagler Beach
Duval County – Jacksonville, Mandarin, San Marco
Clay County – Green Cove Springs, Fleming Island
Putnam County – Palatka, East Palatka, Interlachen
Southern Georgia (select dependency/adoption cases)
Speak with a Parental Rights Termination Attorney
Whether you’re seeking to protect a child from harm or defend your rights as a parent, the legal team of St. Augustine Divorce Attorneys are here to provide experienced, knowledgeable, and compassionate representation in TPR matters.
Visit Us: 104 Sea Grove Main Street, St. Augustine, FL 32080
Contact Us:
- 104 Sea Grove Main Street | St. Augustine, Florida 32080
