40-6-414. Presumption of waiver of parental rights -- department to file petition, MCA

Montana Code Annotated 2019

TITLE 40. FAMILY LAW

CHAPTER 6. PARENT AND CHILD

Part 4. Montana Safe Haven Newborn Protection Act

Presumption Of Waiver Of Parental Rights -- Department To File Petition

40-6-414. Presumption of waiver of parental rights -- department to file petition. (1) A parent who surrenders a newborn under 40-6-405 and who does not file a custody action under 40-6-411 is presumed to have knowingly waived the parent's parental rights to the newborn.

(2) If a custody action is not filed under 40-6-411 or if the parent is denied custody of the newborn under 40-6-413, the department shall file a petition under Title 41, chapter 3, part 4, requesting appropriate relief with the goal of achieving permanent placement for the newborn at the earliest possible date.

History: En. Sec. 11, Ch. 277, L. 2001.