Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Terminating child & natural father relationship

Unmarried, had a child. My child's natural father has not ever provided child support or had visitations with her. Child is 8yrs old and I feel that it is in the best interest of the child to terminate the natural father's parental rights. What forms need to be filed and how? Two years ago a judge granted a change of last name for the child but unfortunately at the time I did not think of terminating his rights. The court appointed an attorney at lideum then, will this be the case this time? Do I need to have an attorney? For name change, I represented myself pro se. Your help is greatly appreciated in advance.

I am actually trying to get our passports & discovered both parents of a minor must request it for them. How can I get the absent father to help get a passport?


Asked on 9/24/07, 3:47 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Terminating child & natural father relationship

Judges are reluctant to terminate a parent's rights, without another parent (stepparent) ready to take over responsibility. Instead they prefer that the dad be located and required to support their child. What you want to do is not impossible, but difficult. Hire an attorney, provide all of the facts of the situation, and proceed. (At the least you can get a modified court order naming you as the sole person authorized to obtain a passport for the child).

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Answered on 9/25/07, 8:20 am


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