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Department of Children and Families v. K.M., Father of P.M.
Date: 06-10-2025
Case Number: 10-2024-DP-61
Judge: Angela M. Cox
Court: Circuit Court, Clay County, Florida
Plaintiff's Attorney: Clay County, Florida District Attorney's Office
Defendant's Attorney: Natalie Hall Kelly
Description:
Green Cove Springs, Florida family law lawyer represented the Defendant in a termination of parental rights case.
* * *
In Florida, terminating parental rights permanently ends a parent's legal relationship with their child, typically due to a parent's inability to provide a safe and stable environment. This can happen voluntarily, through a signed surrender, or involuntarily, after the court finds legal grounds. Once terminated, the parent loses all legal rights and responsibilities, including the right to visitation and financial support. The court must consider the best interests of the child before terminating parental rights.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Voluntary Termination:
A parent can choose to voluntarily surrender their rights, usually in the context of adoption, with the court's approval.
Involuntary Termination:
The court can terminate parental rights if they find legal grounds, such as:
Abandonment: The parent has abandoned the child, or their identity or location is unknown and cannot be found after a diligent search.
Conduct Threatening Child's Well-being: The parent's actions or inaction threaten the child's life, safety, well-being, or physical, mental, or emotional health.
Failure to Comply with Case Plan: The parent has failed to comply with a case plan after the child has been adjudicated dependent.
Consequences of Termination:
Once terminated, the parent no longer has any legal rights or responsibilities with respect to the child. The child may then be adopted or placed in another permanent living arrangement.
Clear and Convincing Evidence:
Florida law requires clear and convincing evidence before terminating parental rights.
Guardian Ad Litem:
In dependency cases, a guardian ad litem is appointed to represent the child's best interests.
Reinstatement:
While rare, a parent may be able to seek reinstatement of their parental rights under certain circumstances.
* * *
In Florida, terminating parental rights permanently ends a parent's legal relationship with their child, typically due to a parent's inability to provide a safe and stable environment. This can happen voluntarily, through a signed surrender, or involuntarily, after the court finds legal grounds. Once terminated, the parent loses all legal rights and responsibilities, including the right to visitation and financial support. The court must consider the best interests of the child before terminating parental rights.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Voluntary Termination:
A parent can choose to voluntarily surrender their rights, usually in the context of adoption, with the court's approval.
Involuntary Termination:
The court can terminate parental rights if they find legal grounds, such as:
Abandonment: The parent has abandoned the child, or their identity or location is unknown and cannot be found after a diligent search.
Conduct Threatening Child's Well-being: The parent's actions or inaction threaten the child's life, safety, well-being, or physical, mental, or emotional health.
Failure to Comply with Case Plan: The parent has failed to comply with a case plan after the child has been adjudicated dependent.
Consequences of Termination:
Once terminated, the parent no longer has any legal rights or responsibilities with respect to the child. The child may then be adopted or placed in another permanent living arrangement.
Clear and Convincing Evidence:
Florida law requires clear and convincing evidence before terminating parental rights.
Guardian Ad Litem:
In dependency cases, a guardian ad litem is appointed to represent the child's best interests.
Reinstatement:
While rare, a parent may be able to seek reinstatement of their parental rights under certain circumstances.
Outcome:
Judgment for the Plaintiff.
Affirmed on appeal.
Affirmed on appeal.
Plaintiff's Experts:
Defendant's Experts:
Comments:
About This Case
What was the outcome of Department of Children and Families v. K.M., Father of P.M.?
The outcome was: Judgment for the Plaintiff. Affirmed on appeal.
Which court heard Department of Children and Families v. K.M., Father of P.M.?
This case was heard in Circuit Court, Clay County, Florida, FL. The presiding judge was Angela M. Cox.
Who were the attorneys in Department of Children and Families v. K.M., Father of P.M.?
Plaintiff's attorney: Clay County, Florida District Attorney's Office. Defendant's attorney: Natalie Hall Kelly.
When was Department of Children and Families v. K.M., Father of P.M. decided?
This case was decided on June 10, 2025.