How Do I Relinguish Parental Rights in Texas?
Full Question:
Answer:
It will be a matter of subjective determination for the court, based on all the circumstances involved. The deciding factor for the court is the best interests of the child. A parent may also have rights terminated, either by voluntary relinquishment or judicial termination. A judicial termination requires proof that the parent is unfit and/or poses a threat of harm to the child. The court may order termination of the parent-child relationship if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that the parent engaged in conduct or knowingly placed the child with persons who engaged in conduct which endangers the physical or emotional well-being of the child, or the parent is convicted an a child abuse offense. A termination of parental rights voids any rights and obligations toward the child. The parent will no longer have rights to custody or visitation and will no longer owe a duty of support.
Termination of parental rights will typically end the obligation for child support at that point, but not erase liability for past due support. Often, relinquishment of parental rights will not be allowed if done for the purpose of avoiding child support payments.
Please see the following OK statute:
The following is a TX statute:
§ 161.005 FAM. Termination When Parent is Petitioner
(a) A parent may file a suit for termination of the petitioner's
parent-child relationship. The court may order termination if termination
is in the best interest of the child.
(b) If the petition designates the Department of Protective and
Regulatory Services as managing conservator, the department shall be
given service of citation. The court shall notify the department if the
court appoints the department as the managing conservator of the child.