A parent’s voluntary relinquishment of parental rights is the legal process in which the parent of a minor child asks the court to terminate the parent-child relationship. Termination of the parent-child relationship terminates the parent’s right to visitation or custody of the child, and terminates the parent’s obligation to support the child. But most courts will not allow a parent to terminate parental rights and obligations unless there is a qualified person who is willing to adopt the child, and the court determines the adoption is in the best interest of the child.

In Washington State, a parent's voluntary relinquishment of parental rights is a legal process that requires court approval. This process involves the parent requesting the court to legally terminate their relationship with their child, which includes giving up rights to custody, visitation, and the responsibility to support the child financially. However, the courts in Washington typically do not permit the termination of parental rights unless there is another individual ready and willing to adopt the child. This is to ensure that the child's welfare is not jeopardized by the absence of parental support. The court must also determine that the adoption is in the best interest of the child before approving the termination of parental rights. This process is governed by state statutes, including the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), and the decision is made with the child's welfare as the paramount concern.