Home » Practice areas » De Facto Parent in Dependency Proceedings – Definition » Terminating De Facto Parent Status
Practice Area
Terminating De Facto Parent Status
To terminate de facto parent status, the department has the burden of establishing a change of circumstances that no longer support the status, such as when a psychological bond no longer exists between the adult and the child. De facto parent status does not terminate by operation of law or by any other automatic mechanism except where the dependency itself is terminated. During the dependency proceedings if the department believes de facto parent status is no longer warranted, it must file a noticed motion to that effect allowing the court to hold a hearing.
