If you’re raising a child alone and the other parent has disappeared from your lives—no visits, no support, no calls—you may be wondering, “Can I terminate their parental rights?” This is a common question for single parents in Alaska who are navigating solo parenthood while the other parent is absent and uninvolved. In most cases, no, you can’t terminate your child’s other biological parent’s rights. 

In Alaska, terminating a parent’s rights is a serious legal process. Courts do not terminate parental rights simply because a parent is absent, difficult, or negligent. There must be legal grounds, and the termination must be in the best interests of the child.

In rare cases, a parent may agree to relinquish their parental rights. This is more likely when:

• A stepparent is ready to adopt the child, or
• The other parent recognizes they’re unfit or unwilling to parent.

However, courts will not automatically approve this unless another parent (like a stepparent) is stepping in to take full legal and financial responsibility for the child through adoption.

If the other parent doesn’t voluntarily give up their rights, you can petition the court for involuntary termination. But it’s not easy. Alaska law requires clear evidence of things like:

• Abandonment (no contact or support for at least six months),
• Chronic neglect,
• Substance abuse,
• Abuse or domestic violence,
• Incarceration for a significant period, or
• A failure to provide for the child’s basic needs.

The court must also find that the child would be seriously harmed if the parent kept their rights.

If you’re interested in terminating your child’s other parent’s rights, it’s not that easy and often not up to you. If you’re trying to protect your child from an absent or harmful parent, we’re here to help. Our Alaska family law office can walk you through your options and help you pursue what’s best for your child’s future.