Termination of parent-child relationship attorney in Central Texas

Severing the parent-child relationship is a heavy burden. Having the rights of a parent terminated is an emotionally and legally complicated situation. When parental rights are terminated, that person is no longer the parent of the child. A new birth certificate will be issued, removing the name of the former parent. The terminated parent has no obligation to pay child support

The phrase “parental rights” details the legal rights held by a parent over their child. Those parental rights include decision-making powers about the child’s healthcare, the duty to support the child financially, the right to child custody, and the right to decide the child’s education and religious upbringing. You must get the advice of a Waco family lawyer if you are involved in a dispute about parental rights. 

Suppose you think that your rights are in jeopardy or have been asked to surrender your rights. In that case, you are encouraged to get an experienced family law attorney. The earlier a parent explores guidance and takes action, the higher the possibility that parental rights will not be terminated.

What are the main reasons for terminating parental rights? 

The Texas Family Code governs termination proceedings. When the parent’s rights are terminated against the parent’s wishes, it is called an “involuntary termination.” There are three main reasons that involuntary termination of parental rights occurs in the State of Texas. 

  1. Adoption. 
  2. Danger to the child outweighs the risk that one parent will not adequately support the child. 
  3. There is a need to provide stability for the child, and the parent is absent or dangerous.

Can a parent voluntarily relinquish parental rights to avoid child support? 

No. A Texas family law court has the discretion to deny such an action and will almost always decide that it is not in the minor child’s best interest to have parental rights terminated. 

Why would someone voluntarily give up their rights to a child? 

A parent may realize that they cannot give their offspring the most reliable viable life, whether due to being in and out of jail, mental health issues, or a severe substance abuse problem. 

Parental Rights Terminated in Waco

Having parental rights terminated is a severe action that, in most cases, is permanent and irrevocable. Once a court releases a parent’s rights, that parent can’t get those rights back. It is vital that a parent who is either asked to sign a consent or surrender fully understand the document before signing. Once an approval or surrender is signed and properly executed, a parent who wishes to “undo” such a record must produce evidence that his or her signature was obtained through fraud or deceit.

Terminating Parental Rights in Waco, Texas 

If you find yourself in a termination proceeding, call one of the family law attorneys at Dunnam & Dunnam. The firm has appealed cases to the United States Supreme Court dealing with termination issues. To discuss your termination matter with an experienced Central Texas termination of parent-child relationship attorney, contact one of our family law attorneys at 254-753-6437.

What do our clients say about us?

Wacoan Magazine regularly chooses our law firm as the best in Waco, including best family law attorneys. You can read many of our client’s family law reviews on our family law page. Some of our child custody clients have said,

“I have known Jim Dunnam for 30 years, back in the day when it was unheard of for the man to get custody of the kids during a divorce Jim fought for me and got custody of both my children for me, if you are lucky enough to have Jim as your attorney then you have the piece of mind knowing he will fight for your case till the very end, a stand up guy who tells you straight up front what your facing and what he can do for you, I highly recommend Jim Dunnam to anyone who is in need of an attorney for any circumstance.” –Greg Key

“I recently used Dunnam and Dunnam for a family case. I was pursuing custody of my son. Brittany Cleere helped me navigate and successfully gain custody of my son. She was amazing and helpful through out the entire mentally taxing experience. I’ve recommended and will continue to recommend the law firm of Dunnam and Dunnam for all legal matters but I will especially recommend Brittany for being such a kind fantastic person. I finally have peace of mind and I owe it all to her diligent efforts.” -Travis Dwayne

Hire a Waco family law attorney with experience in terminating the parent-child relationship.

Vance Dunnam Waco Attorney at Dunnam & Dunnam

Vance Dunnam

Vance has 60 years of experience as a lawyer in Waco, Texas handling all types of cases in both the office and the courtroom.

Read More
Merrilee Harmon Waco Lawyer at Dunnam & Dunnam

Merrilee L. Harmon

Merrilee L. Harmon is a Family Law specialist, Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1985.

Read More
Jim Dunnam Waco Attorney at Dunnam & Dunnam

Jim Dunnam

Jim Dunnam is a Board Certified Specialist in both Civil Trial Law and Family Law.

Read More
Eleeza Johnson Attorney at Law Dunnam & Dunam

Eleeza Johnson

Eleeza's practice areas include: Personal Injury Law, Civil Trial Law, Commercial Law, Family Law and Pharmaceutical Law.

Read More

Gerald R. Villarrial

Gerald R. Villarrial has practiced family law, criminal law and civil litigation for over 20 years.

Read More

Mason Dunnam

Mason Dunnam is the fourth generation of Dunnam attorneys at the firm since 1925

Read More

Carolina Truesdale

Carolina G. Truesdale graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law, Cum Laude.

Read More

Our law firm has served Central Texas families since 1925. We have seen it all. Our attorneys have the experience, skill, and tenacity to get the job done right. Call us when you are involved in a parental termination proceeding. Our phone number is 254-753-6437.