Montana § 42-2-609 - Determination That No Parent And Child Relationship Exists
Full text of Montana Montana Code Annotated § 42-2-609 — Determination That No Parent And Child Relationship Exists, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 42-2-609. Determination That No Parent And Child Relationship Exists
Determination that no parent and child relationship exists. For purposes of making a child available for adoption, the court may terminate the parental rights of a putative father on the grounds that the parent and child relationship does not exist if: (1) a judicial determination is made under 40-6-107 that the parent and child relationship does not exist. This includes the termination of the parental rights of the husband of the mother who is placing the child for adoption or the parental rights of an individual who is a presumed father of the child. (2) a determination is made that: (a) an individual has not timely registered with the putative father registry; (b) an individual has not been adjudicated, in Montana, to be the father of the child for the purpose of child support; (c) an individual has not been recorded on the child's birth certificate as the child's father; (d) an individual has not openly lived with the child and the child's mother at the time that the proceeding is initiated or at the time that the child was placed in the care of an authorized agency and an individual is not representing to the public that the individual is the child's father; and (e) the child's mother was not married to the person who is the subject of the termination proceedings at the probable time of the child's conception or at the time that the child was born; or (3) a putative father appears at the hearing but is unable to establish by a preponderance of the evidence the minimum requirements provided in 42-2-610 for demonstrating the establishment of a substantial relationship with the child.
Source: official Montana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Montana § 42-2-609
What does Montana Code Annotated § 42-2-609 cover?
Section 42-2-609 ("Determination That No Parent And Child Relationship Exists") is part of the Montana Code Annotated, the codified statutory law of Montana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Montana § 42-2-609?
A common citation format is "Montana Code Annotated § 42-2-609" (Montana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Montana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Montana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Montana attorney.
How does Montana § 42-2-609 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Montana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Montana.