Parental Rights
North Carolina
Last Updated: April 2023
| Question | Answer |
Does the state allow for termination or limitation of parental rights when a child is born from rape? |
Yes |
Does the state require a conviction for the sexual offense to terminate or limit the rapist’s parental rights? |
Yes |
May the state terminate or limit parental rights when there was a sexual assault that led to the birth of the child, but no conviction? |
No |
What parental rights can be terminated or limited? |
Terminated: Custody Visitation |
Are there any exceptions to the termination or limitation of a rapist’s parental rights? |
N/A |
What other rights may be impacted by terminating a rapist’s parental rights? |
Inheritance - rapist parent may not inherit from child, but child may inherit from rapist parent No Notice, or Consent - rapist parent has no right to notice of adoption proceedings of the child, and may not withhold consent to the child's adoption |
What is the procedure for termination or limitation of parental rights in these circumstances? |
Victim must petition the court |
What proof do you have to show to terminate or limit the rapist parent’s parental rights? |
The parent has been convicted of a sexually related offense under Chapter 14 of the General Statutes that resulted in the conception of the juvenile. |
Are there any time limits for when a petition must be filed to terminate or limit the rapist parent’s rights? |
N/A |
Does the law apply to both adult victims and underage victims? |
Yes |
Does the law have any exceptions for married or co-habitating victims? |
N/A |
Can a court require the rapist parent to pay child support after parental rights have been terminated? |
N/A |
Statutory Citations |
See, N.C.G.S.A. § 7B-111. Grounds for terminating parental rights NC ST § 7B-1112. Effects of termination order N.C.G.S.A. § 7B-1109. Adjudicatory hearing on termination |