Termination of parental rights is a complex and serious matter that requires a thorough understanding of Texas law. As a parent, your child is your top priority, and it is crucial to protect your parental rights. In this blog post, we will discuss the key points of the Texas Family Code that govern termination of parental rights and what you need to know to protect your relationship with your child.
Understanding Termination of Parental Rights in Texas: What You Need to Know
Termination of parental rights is a legal process that permanently ends a parent’s relationship with their child. In Texas, termination of parental rights is governed by the Texas Family Code Title 5, Subtitle E, Chapter 161. In this blog post, we will discuss the key points of the Texas Family Code related to the termination of parental rights.
Grounds for Termination of Parental Rights
Texas law provides for several grounds for the termination of parental rights. These include abandonment of the child, failure to support the child, endangerment of the child’s physical or emotional well-being, engaging in criminal conduct that results in the parent’s imprisonment or inability to care for the child, use of drugs or alcohol that impairs the parent’s ability to care for the child, mental or emotional illness that renders the parent unable to provide for the child’s needs, and voluntary relinquishment of parental rights.
Initiating Termination of Parental Rights
Termination of parental rights can be initiated by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, a child’s legal guardian, or a relative of the child. If you are facing the termination of your parental rights, it is essential to have legal representation to protect your rights and advocate for your best interests.
Best Interest of the Child
Before a court can terminate parental rights, it must find that termination is in the child’s best interest and that at least one of the grounds for termination exists. This is a high bar, as the court will carefully consider the circumstances of the case and the potential impact on the child.
Placement for Adoption
If parental rights are terminated, the child can be placed for adoption. This means that the child will have a new legal parent and family, and the terminated parent will no longer have any legal rights or responsibilities regarding the child.
Protecting Your Parental Rights
Termination of parental rights is a serious matter that requires a high level of proof, and parents have the right to legal representation and due process in these proceedings. If you are facing the termination of your parental rights, it is crucial to take action to protect your relationship with your child.
At the Blacknall Firm, we understand the importance of protecting your parental rights. Our experienced family law attorneys can help you navigate the complexities of termination of parental rights proceedings and advocate for your best interests. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your legal options.
