Free Instructions - New Hampshire

Instructions for completing Petition for Termination of Parental Rights
(NHJB-2188-FP) Form use. This form is filed with the court to begin the process of terminating a parent-child relationship (RSA 170-C). The possible reasons or grounds for terminating the parent's rights are listed on the form Top section of form ·COURT NAME: Enter the name of the county probate court where the document will be filed. (Example: Belknap County Probate Court; Rockingham County Probate Court). ·CASE NAME: Enter the name of the case (example: Termination of Parental Rights of John Adams). ·CASE NUMBER: Leave blank if not yet assigned by court OR fill in case number if it is known. Numbered section of form 1. Petitioner Name is the name of the person(s) filing this petition. Enter name(s), telephone number and complete mailing address with zip code. Complete this section ONLY if the petitioner has an attorney helping with this case. Enter his or her name, telephone number and complete mailing address including zip code. Check off the box that indicates the Petitioner's relationship to child. There are five options: Guardian, Parent, Foster Parent, Legal Custodian, Authorized Agency. · A Guardian is the person(s) who has been appointed by the court responsible for the custody and control of the person and/or estate. · A Parent is the birth mother or father. · A Foster Parent is the person who is responsible for the care and bringing up of the child that is not his own. · A Legal Custodian is a person whose duty it is to watch, guard and account for the child committed to his custody. · An Authorized Agency is the agency empowered to care and protect the child due to unusual circumstances. Child Name is the name of the child. Enter the full name of the child. Check off only one box indicating if the of the child is male or female. Enter the child's Date of Birth. Enter the Place of Birth, which is the city and state or country where the child was born. Enter the Residence Address, which is the complete physical address of the child including zip code. Birth Father is the full name of the birth father. Enter his name, his date of birth and his complete mailing address including zip code. Birth Mother is the full name of the birth mother. Enter her name, her date of birth and her complete mailing address including zip code. (The above information is required on both parents even if one of them is also the petitioner) If either parent is a minor, complete Section 6 ONLY if the birth parent whose rights are being terminated is under the age of 18. In this instance, the court is asking for the names and addresses of the child's grandparents as follows:
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NHJB-2188-FP Instructions (06/26/2007)

If the child's birth mother (as named in #5, above) is under age 18: Maternal father: Enter the name of the birth mother's father. Provide the complete mailing address including zip code. Maternal mother: Enter the name of the birth mother's mother, and her complete mailing address. If the child's birth father, (as named in #5, above) is under age 18: Paternal father: Enter the name of the birth father's father, and his complete mailing address. Paternal mother: Enter the name of the birth father's mother, and her complete mailing address. 7. Enter the full name and address of the person(s) or the authorized agency having legal custody, guardianship (through a court order), or who is providing for the child's care.

Page 2 . Top section The first paragraph is the "statement of proper jurisdiction". This paragraph states that this petition is being filed in the correct county (be sure either the child or his/her parents live in the county where this petition is being filed, or that it is filed in the county where an authorized agency has provided services to the child). On the first blank line of the second paragraph, enter the name of the birth parent whose rights you are asking to be terminated. On the next blank line, after the word "over", enter the child's full name. From the list that follows, check off as many of the boxes next to each statement that applies to your situation. Page 2. Bottom section Specify factual allegations in support of petition is the area you write in your own words, being as specific as possible, providing facts that support the grounds/conditions you have selected above. Enter any dates when available and give a brief summary of the facts. This information provides the court with example(s) of why grounds exist for terminating the parent's rights. Signature section This section applies ONLY to petitioners who are foster parents and have met the conditions as stated: (a) The child has lived in the foster home for 24 months; and (b) The foster parents have requested in writing of the child-placing agency to legally free the child for adoption, but the agency has not initiated proceedings. On the first blank line following this paragraph, enter the name of the birth parents. On the next blank line, after the word "over", enter the child's full name. On the next blank line, after the words "guardianship of", enter the child's full name. On the next blank line, after the words "transferred to", enter the full name(s) of the person(s) requesting custody or guardianship. On the next blank line, after the word "of", enter their complete address. This form must be signed in the presence of a Notary Public or Justice of the Peace. They will complete the section immediately following your signature. You will sign the form on the Petitioner's Signature line, and date it in the appropriate space to the left. If there are two petitioners, both petitioners must sign and date the form.
NHJB-2188-FP Instructions (06/26/2007) Page 2 of 3

Do not complete the bottom section of Page 3. This section is ONLY for the Division of Children, Youth and Families.

Review the completed form for accuracy prior to filing it with the court. If completing this form on-line, some fields may be filled in automatically based on entries in other fields. If more space is needed for any question, please attach additional sheets of paper.

NHJB-2188-FP Instructions (06/26/2007)

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