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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Hire a Waco family law attorney with experience in terminating the parent-child relationship.
Carolina G. Truesdale graduated from Texas Tech University School of Law, Cum Laude, where she discovered her passion for serving families during difficult times.
Mason Dunnam won his first jury trial the day after becoming licensed to practice law. He became a lawyer to fight for the little guy.
Eleeza Johnson has been a member of Dunnam & Dunnam since 2015 and is currently designated as Of Counsel.
Gerald Ray Villarrial has an important goal – to be remembered as someone who cared about people and changed lives through his skill as an attorney.
Jim Dunnam is a Board Certified Specialist in both Civil Trial Law and Family Law. Jim was born and has spent his entire life in Waco.
Merrilee Harmon is a Family Law specialist, Board Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1985.
Vance Dunnam has 60 years of experience as a lawyer in Waco, Texas, handling all types of cases in both the office and the courtroom.
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