GA 19-7-4 - GA 19-7-4

Fitness Determination of unfitness must be based on parent's present condition. Bozeman v. Williams, 248 Ga. 606 , 285 S.E.2d 9 (1981). Evidence of past unfitness, standing alone, is insufficient to terminate the rights of a parent in the parent's natural child; clear and convincing evidence of present unfitness is required. Blackburn v. Blackburn, 249 Ga. 689 , 292 S.E.2d 821 (1982). Finding of unfitness must center on the parent alone; a court is not allowed to terminate a parent's natural right because the court has determined that the child might have better financial, educational, or even moral advantages elsewhere. Blackburn v. Blackburn, 249 Ga. 689 , 292 S.E.2d 821 (1982). Fitness of parent. - Fitness was not necessarily synonymous with absence of conduct penalized by former Code 1...