[dakotabarb6986]

I reside in the state of Texas, and have a question about paternal rights. I can not find any good information- My girlfriend is 12 weeks pregnant, and will be listing me as the father on the birth certificate. She has no desire to have a relationship with our child, and would like to relinguish all parental rights after the birth of our child, turning sole rights over to me. How do we go about such a thing? Has it been done before? I only want to do what is in the best interest of my child, and know that this is the best mater for myself, and my child... she is an unwilling mother, only carrying the baby, with the intent to turn it over to me completely... any help would be appreciated.

[stevetcg]

She cannot sign her rights over, but she can give you full legal and sole physical custody. This is a simple thing and you will be in line behind 10 other couples doing the same thing at court.

Once the child is born, you both go to the local family court and file for custody. If you both agree to what is being proposed, they sign off on it with little fanfare.

We warned... she may change her mind now or any time in the future. She will retain her rights to file for visitation or potentially even a change of custody. On the flip side, you can file for child support.