Establishing secure connection…Loading editor…Preparing document…

Connecticut Petition for Termination of Parental Rights

This template is fully customizable. Edit the text, fill out the fields, and send it for signature. Give it a try!

Petition/Termination of Parental Rights

CONNECTICUT PROBATE COURTS

CONFIDENTIAL

RECEIVED:

Instructions:

1) A parent or guardian, or other authorized person or agency under C.G.S. section 45a-715, may use this form to petition for termination of parental rights of a parent or parents of a minor child. For a child born out of wedlock, the petition shall list any putative father as defined in C.G.S. section 45a-716 (b).

2) The petition should be filed in the court for the probate district in which (1) the petitioner resides; (2) the minor child resides, is domiciled or is located at the time of the filing of the petition; or (3) in the case of a minor who is under the guardianship of any child care facility or child-placing agency, in the district in which the main or local office of the agency is located.

3) A statement of facts for each ground of termination, including consent, must be completed. See Page 4.

4) The following documents should be filed with the petition: a) A long-form birth certificate, b) JD-FM-164, Affidavit Concerning Children and c) Confidential Sheet, PC-600CI, with confidential social security numbers.

5) For more information, see C.G.S. sections 45a-715 et seq., 46b-115 et seq., and 52-231a, and Probate Court Rules of Procedure, rule 4o.

6) Type or print in ink. Use an additional sheet, or PC-180, if more space is needed.

Probate Court Name

District Number

In the Matter of

Place of Birth of Minor Child

Birth Date of Minor Child

Address where minor child resides

Address where minor child is domiciled (if different)

Address where minor child is located at time of filing petition (if different)

Tribe and Reservation of Minor Child, if an Indian Child as defined by 25 U.S.C. section 1903 (Name and address)

Petitioner (Name, address and telephone number, and the nature of the relationship to the minor child)

Parents of Minor Child (For each parent, list name, address, telephone number; date of birth; whether in the military service of the United States or Allied Nation; Indian tribe and reservation; and whether the parent is legally incompetent. Include any putative father of a child born out of wedlock.)

1.

a. Relationship to minor child:

b. If parent, date of birth:

c. In military service of US or Allied Nation: Yes No

d. Indian tribe and reservation:

e. Legally incompetent: Yes No

2.

a. Relationship to minor child:

b. If parent, date of birth:

c. In military service of US or Allied Nation: Yes No

d. Indian tribe and reservation:

e. Legally incompetent: Yes No

Hereinafter referred to as the respondent(s)

7) Contact the court regarding payment of service of process fees and, if applicable, payment of newspaper notice publication.

If a parent listed above is a minor or legally incompetent, list the parents or guardian/conservator for the parent (Include the name, address, telephone number and relationship.)

1.

2.

Name of parent whose parental rights were previously terminated. (Provide a copy of the court decree.)

The last-known address of the respondents is:

The following efforts have been made to obtain the current address for the respondents:

Guardian of the person, if not a parent (For each guardian, list name, address, telephone number and date of appointment as guardian.)

Child-placing agency involved with the minor child, if not the petitioner (Name, address and telephone number)

The petitioner represents that:

The parental rights of the persons indicated below should be terminated for one or more of the following grounds as provided by statute and as more fully described in the attached statement of facts for each ground for termination:

consents to termination of his or her parental rights with respect to minor child.

(No further allegation is necessary against a consenting parent. However an Affidavit/Consent to Termination of Parental Rights, JD-JM-60, must accompany this petition.)

OR The child was abandoned by in the sense that the parent has failed to maintain a reasonable degree of interest, concern or responsibility as to the welfare of the child.

OR The child has been denied the care, guidance or control necessary for the child’s physical, educational, moral or emotional well-being, by reason of acts of parental commission or omission by .

There has been a nonaccidental or inadequately explained serious physical injury to the child.

There has been sexual molestation and exploitation, severe physical abuse or a pattern of abuse.

Other acts of parental commission or omission as follows:

OR There is no ongoing parent/child relationship, as defined in C.G.S. section 45a-717(g), between the child and and to allow further time for the establishment or reestablishment of the parent/child relationship would be detrimental to the best interests of the child.

OR The child is found to be neglected, abused or uncared for as those terms are defined under C.G.S. section 46b-120 AND has been in the custody of the Commissioner of the Department of Children and Families for at least 15 months, AND the parent, , has been provided specific steps to take to facilitate the return of the child to the parent pursuant to C.G.S. section 46b-129, AND the parent has failed to achieve such degree of personal rehabilitation as would encourage the belief that, within a reasonable time and considering the age and needs of the child, such parent could assume a responsible position in the life of the child.

OR The child has been found in a prior proceeding by the Probate Court for the District of or the Superior Court to have been neglected, abused or uncared for as those terms are defined under C.G.S. section 46b-120, AND the parent has failed to achieve such degree of personal rehabilitation as would encourage the belief that, within a reasonable time and considering the age and needs of the child, such parent could assume a responsible position in the life of the child.

OR The child is under seven years of age AND is neglected, abused or uncared for as those terms are defined in C.G.S. section 46b-120, AND the parent, , has failed, is unable or is unwilling to achieve such degree of personal rehabilitation as would encourage the belief that, within a reasonable time and considering the age and needs of the child, such parent could assume a responsible position in the life of the child, AND such parent’s parental rights of another child were previously terminated pursuant to a petition filed by the Commissioner of Children and Families.

OR The parent, , has killed through deliberate, nonaccidental act another child of the parent OR has requested, commanded, importuned, attempted, conspired or solicited such killing OR has committed an assault through deliberate and nonaccidental act that has resulted in serious bodily injury of another child of the parent.

OR The parent, , committed an act or acts that constitute sexual assault as described in sections 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-70b, 53a-70c, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or 53a-73a, and the assault resulted in the conception of the child.

The parent, , was adjudged guilty of sexual assault under section 53a-70, 53a-70a, 53a-70b, 53a-70c, 53a-71, 53a-72a, 53a-72b or 53a-73a, and the assault resulted in the conception of the child.

Statement of facts in support of each ground for termination of parental rights alleged, including consent termination:

The petitioner further represents that the termination of parental rights of the parents, , is in the best interests of the child.

The petitioner further represents that to the best of his or her knowledge and belief:

has resided has not resided in Connecticut continuously for the last six months.

is a proceeding is no proceeding pending or contemplated in Connecticut or any other state affecting the custody of the minor child.

has been a proceeding has not been a proceeding in the past in Connecticut or any other state affecting the custody of the minor child.

is is not a current safety or service agreement between the Department of Children and Families and the parent/guardian of the minor child.

is is not a current protective order or restraining order involving any party. If so, please attach.

is is not the subject of a pre-existing child support order.

WHEREFORE, the petitioner requests that the court terminate the parental rights of , and petitions the court to:

Appoint a statutory parent for the minor child, adoption being contemplated.

The proposed statutory parent is:

Appoint guardians of the person of the minor child.

The proposed guardians are:

Affirm that the remaining parent shall be the sole parent and natural guardian of the minor child.

Affirm the appointment of as guardian of the minor child.

The representations made in this petition are made under penalty of false statement.

Signature of Petitioner

Type or Print Name

Date

Acceptance of Trust of Proposed Statutory Parent, if applicable.

If appointed statutory parent, I will accept the position of trust:

Signature

Type or Print Name

Agency and Title

Address

Telephone Number

Date

Acceptance of Trust of Proposed Guardians, if applicable.

If appointed guardian, I will accept the position of trust:

Signature

Type or Print Name

Address

Telephone Number

Birth Date

Date

Signature

Type or Print Name

Address

Telephone Number

Birth Date

Date

Consent to Termination

I consent to the termination of my parental rights with respect to the minor child. (Any consent to termination of parental rights must be accompanied by an Affidavit/Consent to Termination of Parental Rights, JD-JM-60. C.G.S. section 45a-715. A parent may waive personal service by filing a Waiver of Personal or Abode Service/Parental Rights Matter, PC-633.)

Signature of Parent/Guardian Duly Acknowledged Before Me

Type or Print Name

Date

Judge, Clerk, Public Notary, Comm. Sup. Ct.

Signature of Parent/Guardian Duly Acknowledged Before Me

Type or Print Name

Date

Joinder and Consent of Minor Child

I, the undersigned minor child, being at least 12 years of age, do join in the petition for termination of parental rights and consent to the appointment of the proposed guardian as my guardian. C.G.S. section 45a-715.

Signature of Minor Child Duly Acknowledged Before Me

Type or Print Name

Date

Judge, Clerk, Public Notary, Comm. Sup. Ct.

Legal Effects of a Termination of Parental Rights Decree

Termination of parental rights means “the complete severance by court order of the legal relationship, with all of its rights and responsibilities between the child and his parent or parents so that the child is free for adoption except it shall not affect the right of inheritance of the child or the religious affiliation of the child.” C.G.S. section 45a-707(8). (Inheritance rights cease upon adoption.) No action taken with respect to the termination of parental rights of one parent affects the parental rights of the other parent.

Upon a decree of termination of parental rights, the parent will NO LONGER have the following rights and responsibilities with respect to the minor child who is the subject of the decree:

• The legal right to custody, guardianship or control of the minor child. The parent will have no legal right to care for the minor child or to make any decisions on behalf of the minor child.

• The legal right to the minor child's birth certificate.

• The legal right to any state and federal benefits the parent may have been receiving for the minor child.

• The legal responsibility to support the minor child and to pay for the minor child's maintenance, medical and other expenses, but the parent MAY be responsible for support of the minor child until the effective date of the termination.

• The legal responsibility to care for the minor child or make any decisions on his or her behalf.

Furthermore, upon a decree of termination, the minor child will be legally free for adoption, and the parent will have no right to notice of the adoption proceedings nor any right to participate in the proceedings.

Enter text✕
Prepare your document for signing right on this page
  • 01 Edit the text and complete the fields
  • 02 Click Sign Now and on the next screen add recipients and signature fields in SignNow
  • 03 Start your free trial to sign and send your doc
Sign Now

What the Connecticut Petition for Termination of Parental Rights Is

The Connecticut Petition for Termination of Parental Rights is a court filing used to request that parental rights to a child be permanently ended under Connecticut family law. The petition initiates a judicial process that typically requires factual showing of grounds such as abandonment, neglect, long-term incapacity, or adoption-related termination consent. The filing asks the Superior Court or family court to make a final finding that termination is in the child's best interest and, if granted, severs the legal parent-child relationship including custody, visitation, and inheritance rights.

Why this Petition Matters and How It Stands Under U.S. E-Sign Law

This petition permanently alters legal status and parental obligations; courts treat it as a high-stakes family law action requiring clear factual proof and adherence to statutory procedure.

Why this Petition Matters and How It Stands Under U.S. E-Sign Law

Who Typically Prepares or Files This Petition

People and organizations who commonly prepare or file these petitions include guardians, state child welfare agencies, adoptive parents, and attorneys representing a child or petitioner.

  • State child protective agencies asserting parental unfitness or abandonment
  • Prospective adoptive parents seeking a clean parental status to finalize adoption
  • Private petitioners or guardians with statutory standing under Connecticut law

The court will assess standing and service; unauthorized or incomplete filings are often dismissed, so confirm eligibility before filing.

Key Sections Included in a Professional Petition

A complete Connecticut Petition for Termination of Parental Rights organizes facts, legal grounds, child information, service and notice, requested relief, and certifications to the court.

Caption

Court heading and parties: Superior Court, judicial district, plaintiff/petitioner and respondent names exactly as required by local rules and clerk instructions.

Child Details

Full legal name, date of birth, current residence, and identifying information for the child subject to the petition.

Grounds Alleged

Specific statutory or common-law grounds alleged (e.g., abandonment, long-term neglect) with factual paragraphs supporting each claim.

Service and Notice

Statement of how each parent and interested party was served or provided notice consistent with Connecticut Rules of Practice and due process.

Requested Orders

Clear list of relief sought, such as termination of parental rights, transfer of custody, placement recommendations, and any supervised visitation orders prior to final disposition.

Verification

Signature, date, and certification under penalty of perjury; include counsel contact information and certificate of service to the clerk.

Step-by-Step: Preparing and Filing a Petition in Connecticut

Follow a clear sequence to prepare, serve, and present the petition to the court to reduce procedural risk and delays.

  • 01
    Draft petition: Assemble facts, exhibits, and required forms.
  • 02
    Attach exhibits: Include records, social services reports, and affidavits.
  • 03
    File with court: Submit petition to the appropriate Superior Court unit.
  • 04
    Serve parties: Complete service by statute or court order.

Where to File and How the Court Process Generally Proceeds

Identify the correct judicial district and family court unit before filing to ensure clerks accept the petition and schedule hearings promptly.

  • Appropriate Court: Superior Court, family division in the child's judicial district.
  • Clerk Submission: File with clerk either in person or via approved e-filing channel where available.
  • Initial Review: Clerk assigns case number and sets a return date for preliminary hearings.
  • Hearing Schedule: Court issues hearing dates; prepare witnesses and exhibits accordingly.

Digital Signing and eFiling: Platform and Format Considerations

Courts and clerks may permit electronic submissions in specific formats; confirm local rules for e-filing and e-service before relying solely on digital processes.

  • File Formats: PDF/A preferred for court filings
  • Signature Type: Court may require wet ink for some filings
  • Audit Trail: Keep signed audit records and timestamps

Typical Timelines and Court Deadlines to Expect

Scheduling and deadlines vary by court docket and case complexity; these are common timing milestones to track while the petition progresses.

Initial Filing to Return Date:

2–8 weeks depending on clerk workload

Service Completion Deadline:

Typically within 30 to 60 days of filing

Preliminary Hearing:

Usually scheduled within 30 to 90 days

Evidence and Discovery:

May extend several months for contested matters

Final Hearing:

Timing depends on case complexity and court calendar

Consequences of Errors or Incomplete Filings

Dismissal Risk: Petition may be dismissed
Delay: Hearing dates postponed
Service Defect: Case may be voided for improper service
Adverse Findings: Court may deny requested relief
Increased Costs: Additional attorney and court fees
Irreversible Outcome: Termination is permanent once ordered

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Petition

  • Using incomplete or vague factual allegations rather than date-specific incidents and corroborating exhibits can lead to insufficient proof at hearing.
  • Failing to serve all required parties correctly or missing statutory notice deadlines frequently results in continuances or dismissal.
  • Relying on unsigned or unauthenticated exhibits and medical or school records without proper foundation reduces their evidentiary weight in court.
  • Assuming courts will accept electronic signatures or out-of-state notarizations without confirming local rules can cause filing rejections.

Essential Information and Documents to Include

Petitioner ID: Government ID copy required
Respondent Info: Full legal name and contact
Child Records: Birth certificate and DOB
Supporting Evidence: Social services and medical reports
Service Proof: Affidavit or process server return
Attorney Info: Signed notice of appearance

Practical Tips for Accurate and Efficient Petitions

Adopting standard practices improves clarity and reduces court objections during processing.

Use Verified Facts
Provide date-stamped incidents and corroborating documents rather than generalized allegations to strengthen the factual record.
Confirm Local Rules
Check the specific Superior Court or family unit filing procedures, permitted formats, and signature requirements before submitting documents.
Preserve Audit Trails
If using electronic signatures or e-filing, retain audit logs, metadata, and any notarization recordings for court proof.
Document Service Carefully
Complete and file certificates of service promptly; correct service defects early to avoid delays.

Who Is Authorized to Sign or File

Petitioner — Guardian

An appointed guardian, a state agency, or an individual with statutory standing may sign and file the petition; counsel often files on behalf of a client to comply with court rules and to manage hearings.

Respondent — Parent

A parent named in the petition may sign responses or counterclaims; if a parent lacks capacity, a guardian ad litem or counsel may appear for them under court direction.

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Completing and Signing Petitions

This table summarizes common vendor features and pricing models relevant when choosing an eSignature provider for legal filings and secure document workflows.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Frequently Asked Questions and Common Troubleshooting

Answers to frequent practical questions about preparation, filing, signatures, and court acceptance of documents in termination proceedings.


Need help? Contact support

Explore Templates

ADR Agreement to Mediate Construction Management Agreement Authorization for Use and Disclosure of Protected Health Information Medical or Dental Billing Services Agreement Domain Name Purchase Agreement Commercial Affidavit of Truth
be ready to get more
Join over 28 million airSlate SignNow users
Sign Now
Company
Forms
Pricing
Resources
Knowledge base
Other Products
© 2026 airSlate Inc. All rights reserved.