The person who seeks termination of another’s parental rights must file a petition to the court stating grounds (as set forth in N.C.G.S. §7B-1111 to warrant the drastic legal action.
The petition must also establish that termination of parental rights will be in the best interests of the child. In making that determination, the court will consider the child’s age, how likely it is that the child will be adopted and whether the termination will advance a permanent plan for the child’s present and future. The court will also consider the relationship or bond between the parent and the child and between the prospective parent and the child.