Termination of Parental Rights

Parental Rights Termination Attorney in Corpus Christi, Texas

Despite the public policy of granting parents the right to raise their child, there are instances in Texas where parental rights can be terminated by the court.

In general, the court has the power to terminate parental rights when it is in the best interests of the child, but the Texas legislature also spelled out specific grounds for termination, including:

• Abandonment of the child
• Danger to the child’s physical or emotional health
• Failure to support the child
• Failure to support the child’s mother and provide medical care during pregnancy or after birth
• Failure to enroll the child in school
• Kidnapping of the child
• Voluntary relinquishment of parental rights by affidavit
• Harmed or killed another child
• Endangered another child in a different state resulting in termination of rights
• Hazardous drug use or failure to complete court-ordered rehabilitation
• Committed a crime with a prison sentence within the past two years
• Caused the child to become addicted to drugs or alcohol

The length of this list of reasons for termination shows the seriousness of parental responsibilities, and the attitude of Texas lawmakers to ensure that the child is well cared for.

However, not all requests for termination are valid, and at times may be used by one parent in an attempt to deny custody or visitation.

If you are part of a petition for termination of parental rights, you must seek legal guidance to make certain that the Texas guidelines are being met. Frivolous claims for termination are possible in some cases.

Bobby Bourlon can be your advocate to either request or resist a termination petition, and as your attorney he will investigate the facts of the claim. The importance of parental rights requires that you have the best attorney possible to represent you, to arrive at a fair resolution for both parents and the child.

Please call for a free consultation at 361-289-6040.