Legal Question in Family Law in Texas
teen fathers rights
17 yr old boy pulled into school office one day, only to be confronted by ex-girlfriend, her dad, school principal and another adult. They inform him that his ex is pregnant (she is 16) and is going to a home for unwed mothers and he needs to sign away his rights as father of the child. He signs the form under duress. That night tells his mother, who is very upset. She was not consulted and wants to keep the child. ( So does teen dad, but felt pressured to sign) Does the family have any legal recourse? What are the rights of a minor teen father.? Since he is a minor, shouldnt the school have been obligated to have a parent present on his behalf?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: teen fathers rights
The boy MUST get to an attorney right away. He either signed a voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights or an affidavit of waiver of interest in a child. The Relinquishment would not be valid as it can only be signed after 48 hours after birth. The waiver, on the other hand, can be signed before the birth. It IS possible to revoke a waiver under certain circumstances. It is not possible to revoke a waiver if the waiver designates the Texas Department of Protective and Regulatory Services as managing conservator of the child.
If the father wished to claim duress, then each day that he does not do something about it is evidence of a lack of duress.
There are also several requirements for the waiver which may or may not have been followed.
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