Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Terminating fathers rights

I have sole custody of my child. Father is $5000.00 behind in child support.He will not and does feel he should have to pay and therefor has not. Child is 14. Father has not contacted child in over 2 1/2 years. Father may have one visit per month with 14 day written notice and no other contact, per the order. Father called and requested a to just have lunch after 2 years so he could just ''see'' child. I would like his rights terminated due to other circumstances that are to numberous to list. He has 2nd child child he has not seen or supported in 3 1/2 years. 3rd child taken by CPS due to drugs found in system at birth. Father & mother signed rights over to CPS due to they did not want child and the one hr visit a week and drug testing and parenting classes were not worth it to them. all 3 are female. Father now has infant son who he cares for and lives with childs mother and says she is his wife. He is not divorced form second wife (who is a relative of mine). I would like to terminate his rights to my child. Can I do this without an attorney?


Asked on 4/05/06, 11:20 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
TC Langford Langford Law Office

Re: Terminating fathers rights

Probably not. Although you always have the right to represent yourself, you are presenting an extremely complicated situation, that if not done correctly, could have terrible consequences.

Check with the bar association of your county, and talk to administrators of churches, temples etc in your county. MANY attorneys will work with you on a payment plan. There are also low-cost organizations that will work on a sliding scale. Keep asking around, and eventually, you will find an attorney experienced in this area, that will work with you financially.

Your goal is a reasonable one. Good luck. TCL

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Answered on 4/05/06, 11:49 am
Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

Re: Terminating fathers rights

You have the absolute right to try to represent yourself in court without any legal training.

You can go to any law library and find the Texas Family Code and form books that can help you.

Be advised that you will be held by the court to the same standard as any attorney.

I doubt that you can accomplish a termination without legal assistance but, of course, you can try to do so.

www.familylaw4u.com

Good luck!

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Answered on 4/05/06, 2:56 pm


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