2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 13.34.190: Order terminating parent and child relationship — Findings.
After hearings pursuant to RCW
13.34.110 or
13.34.130, the court may enter an order terminating all parental rights to a child only if the court finds that:
(1)(a) The allegations contained in the petition as provided in RCW
13.34.180(1) are established by clear, cogent, and convincing evidence; or
(b) The provisions of RCW
13.34.180(1) (a), (b), (e), and (f) are established beyond a reasonable doubt and if so, then RCW
13.34.180(1) (c) and (d) may be waived. When an infant has been abandoned, as defined in RCW
13.34.030, and the abandonment has been proved beyond a reasonable doubt, then RCW
13.34.180(1) (c) and (d) may be waived; or
(c) The allegation under RCW
13.34.180(2) is established beyond a reasonable doubt. In determining whether RCW
13.34.180(1) (e) and (f) are established beyond a reasonable doubt, the court shall consider whether one or more of the aggravated circumstances listed in RCW
13.34.132 exist; or
(d) The allegation under RCW
13.34.180(3) is established beyond a reasonable doubt; and
(2) Such an order is in the best interests of the child.
[2000 c 122 § 26; 1998 c 314 § 5; 1993 c 412 § 3; 1992 c 145 § 15; 1990 c 284 § 33; 1979 c 155 § 48; 1977 ex.s. c 291 § 47.]
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. Washington may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.