Opinion ID: 2423832
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Termination Statute

Text: The statutory standard for terminating parental rights provides for two separate inquiries. [7] In conducting the first inquiry, the Family Court must find a statutory basis for termination under title 13, section 1103 of the Delaware Code. One of those statutory bases is a parent's failure to plan adequately for the child's physical needs or mental and emotional health and development. [8] In conducting the second inquiry, the Family Court must determine what is in the best interest of the child in light of the following factors: (1) The wishes of the child's parent or parents as to his or her custody and residential arrangements; (2) The wishes of the child as to his or her custodian or custodians and residential arrangements; (3) The interaction and interrelationship of the child with his or her parents, grandparents, siblings, persons cohabiting in the relationship of husband and wife with a parent of the child, any other residents of the household or persons who may significantly affect the child's best interests; (4) The child's adjustment to his or her home, school and community; (5) The mental and physical health of all individuals involved; (6) Past and present compliance by both parents with their rights and responsibilities to their child under [section] 701 of this title; (7) Evidence of domestic violence as provided for in Chapter 7A of this title; and (8) The criminal history of any party or any other resident of the household including whether the criminal history contains pleas of guilty or no contest or a conviction of a criminal offense. [9] The State has the burden of proof and must satisfy both inquiries by clear and convincing evidence. [10]