Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
Can father relinquish rights?
My best friend got a girl pregnant after a one night stand after she lied to him and told him she was on the pill. If she agrees and signs the paperwork, how hard would it be for him to relinquish his rights and can she come back at a later time to get child support? She knows that he wants nothing to do with this baby.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Can father relinquish rights?
In Texas, it is tough to terminate parental rights. Many courts do not want to bastarize a baby. Also, parents are supposed to support their children - not the taxpayers.
Usually a termination will only occur if there is a "new" dad for the baby - like a step-father.
No one can require the father to visit the child or be a part of the child's life. However, the father is obligated to support him until 18 or the child graduates from high school, whichever is later. Of course, if the child is disabled before the child turns 18, the child support can continue the rest of the child's life.
Being "tricked" into being a father is not a valid argument.
He had sex with her and he knew that a child could be conceived.
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