Deprivation of parental rights

Deprivation of parental rights is a measure of last resort, applied only by a court and only on the grounds exhaustively set out in the law. Such cases call for a thorough evidence base and the involvement of the guardianship authority.

When to get in touch

• the other parent has long taken no part in the child’s life
• a parent’s conduct puts the child at risk
• the child needs protection and their legal position needs to be settled
• an attempt is being made to deprive you of parental rights

What the lawyer does

• assesses whether the grounds in Article 164 of the Family Code exist and the prospects in court
• gathers the evidence: the guardianship authority’s opinion, character references, witness evidence
• prepares the claim, or the defence to it
• represents the client in court
• deals with the child’s maintenance in the same proceedings
• handles the restoration of parental rights where there are grounds for it

Legal basis

The grounds for deprivation of parental rights are exhaustively set out in Article 164 of the Family Code of Ukraine; those entitled to bring a claim are listed in Article 165; the legal consequences are set out in Article 166. Deprivation of parental rights does not release a parent from the duty to maintain the child (Article 166). Parental rights may be restored under Article 169.

Legislation and case law are updated over time; this page reflects the position as of August 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Does deprivation of parental rights end the maintenance obligation?

No. The child’s maintenance does not fall away — it is decided by the court in the same proceedings, and the duty to maintain remains. We handle maintenance cases separately, from the award through to recovery of arrears.

Can parental rights be restored?

Yes, through the courts, if conduct and circumstances have changed (Article 169 of the Family Code); the court proceeds from the child’s interests.

Need legal assistance? Call us or leave a request — a lawyer will contact you and go through your situation with care.