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View Full Version : Terminating Parental Rights.


turnermom2005
Jun 19, 2007, 12:30 PM
I am wanting to terminate parental rights for the father of my daughter. He has not seen her in two years and has been incarcerated for the last year and a half. I am wanting to get this done pretty quick. Is there any forms online or anything that I can do on my own to get a court date without having to get a lawyer? Also are there any legal aides in Texas?

ScottGem
Jun 19, 2007, 12:32 PM
YOU can't terminate his rights. He has to voluntarily do it. Unless there is an issue of abuse, no court will grant it.

If he has had nothing to do with your daughter in 2 years then what's the issue? What would be the value of a formal termination?

turnermom2005
Jun 19, 2007, 12:36 PM
Ok now I have talked to a lawyer and have searched general information on terminating parental rights. Everything that I have as far as him being a felon and not having any contact with her for 2 years, and not paying child support says that I can terminate. I am afraid that he will try to start seeing her again when he gets out and I don't think that is best for my child right now because she is only 4 and doesn't really know what's going on.

ScottGem
Jun 19, 2007, 12:43 PM
Sorry, I don't know what sources you are accessing, but the only times I've ever heard of an involuntary termination of rights were in cases of abuse by the parent or total abandonment (i.e. the parent disappearing) and a ste parent seeking to adopt.

Being a felon does not justify terminating rights. What it may justify is preventing visitation or at least unsupervised visitation.