All Illinois DCFS questions

What if my parental rights were terminated?

Once rights are terminated, you have no legal right to see or contact your children; contact is entirely up to the new guardian.

Once parental rights are terminated — voluntarily or after a trial — you have no legal right to see or contact your children.

Any contact after that point is entirely up to the children's new guardian.

Because termination is permanent, the time to fight is before it happens. If a termination petition has been filed, get an attorney immediately.

Important: This page is general information about Illinois DCFS procedures, not legal advice. Every case is different. If you can, speak with a qualified Illinois attorney about your specific situation.

DCFS Is Taking Me to Court to Remove My Children

You have been served with a shelter-care petition, or a court date is scheduled.

Read the full guide