Can an absent father lose parental rights?

A father does not automatically lose parental rights simply due to being absent, or not being involved in a child’s life. An absent father will continue to have Parental responsibility to his child unless a court order removes it.

Reasons for terminating Parental Responsibility are exceptional and include serious harm or abuse to the child, a conviction by the father of a serious crime, neglect, or abandonment, or the child being given up for adoption.

Terminating parental responsibility is a rare legal step, and only taken where it is deemed to be in the best interests of the child.