40-4-227: 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.