§ 622 Definition of "fact-finding hearing"

A fact-finding hearing is a specific type of court hearing that happens when someone files a petition asking the court to give up a child's guardianship and custody, usually so the child can be adopted. During this hearing, the judge looks at the evidence to decide whether certain required facts have been proven.

The judge cannot just take someone's word for it. The law requires "clear and convincing proof," which is a high standard of evidence. This means the person asking the court to end someone's parental rights and custody must show strong, solid evidence that clearly supports each required claim in the petition.

This hearing matters because parental rights are at stake. Before a judge can move forward with taking away a parent's custody and guardianship rights, the court must be very sure that the legal requirements have actually been met based on real evidence, not just accusations.