The Termination of Parental Rights in Texas
By Eric Fredrickson
Oct. 16, 2010 9:15a
Family law covers all aspects of parental rights and in certain cases there are grounds to terminate an individual's parental rights. Terminating parental rights can be approached from all different angles and no two cases are exactly alike. Whether a father was convicted of a felony and is in prison for life or if a mother just up and left her husband and children, both are grounds for termination of parental rights. These laws are in place to protect the minor children and to bring about hope and the possibility of better and improved circumstances in the children's future.
Grounds for Termination
If it is not in the child's best interest to have further contact with the absent, mentally ill, abusive, violent, murderous, cruel, alcoholic or abandoning parent, then the parental rights are subject to termination under Texas state law however, a parent does not necessarily have to be abusive or convicted of a crime to have their rights terminated. Sometimes a parent voluntarily chooses to terminate their parental rights and the decision is mutual or sometimes a parent leaves their child with another person (not the child's parent) and never returns.
In the cases of surrogacy or adoption, parental rights must be legally terminated. Another example could be a mother abandoning her baby on the front steps of a hospital. All the above examples qualify for a termination of parental rights. Again, there are a wide variety of circumstances that could apply, in which case a Texas court could terminate an individual's parental rights.
Getting Help
The legal custody and wellbeing of a child is extremely important. Having the skilled guidance and protection of a Houston family law attorney is immeasurable in family law matters. At the Law Offices of Erick Fredrickson, we have handled over 500 family law cases and have over 14 years practice experience. We will handle your parental rights case with care and respect, in order to help you get the best possible outcome.
Contact a Houston Family Lawyer at our firm today for a free consultation if you or someone you know needs assistance with the termination of parental rights.
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