Rights of parents and children – policy – findings
(1) It is the policy of the state of Montana:
(a) to recognize the constitutionally protected rights of parents and the integrity of the family unit;
(b) to recognize a child's constitutionally protected rights, including all fundamental rights unless those rights are specifically precluded by laws that enhance their protection; and
(c) to ensure that the best interests of the child are met in parenting proceedings.
(2) The legislature finds:
(a) that while it is in the best interests of a child to maintain a relationship with a natural parent, a natural parent's inchoate interest in the child requires constitutional protection only when the parent has demonstrated a timely commitment to the responsibilities of parenthood; and
(b) that a parent's constitutionally protected interest in the parental control of a child should yield to the best interests of the child when the parent's conduct is contrary to the child-parent relationship.
| EnactedEn. SectionSec. 3, ChapterCh. 414, Laws ofL. 1999 (SB 486 - Halligan, Mike (D) SD 34) |