Dedicated Legal Support for Parents in Collin, Denton, & Dallas Counties, TX

Parental rights are an essential aspect of family law in Texas. Regardless of marital status, both parents have certain rights and duties towards their children, as prescribed under Chapter 151 of the Texas Family Code.

These rights include the right to make decisions regarding the child’s education, medical treatment, and moral and religious upbringing. They also encompass the responsibility to provide care, control, protection, and reasonable discipline.

Texas law does not discriminate parental rights based on gender. Both parents are viewed equally and are presumed to be “joint managing conservators,” meaning they share decision-making responsibilities for their child(ren). This principle applies unless evidence proves such an arrangement would not be in the child’s best interests.

If you have an issue with parental rights, whether it involves divorce, separation, paternity, or the violation of any court order, our experienced family law attorney in Mckinney can help. We routinely advocate for the rights of the parents under our care in all Texas family law matters, whether through negotiation, other dispute resolution methods, or in court.

Common Parental Rights Issues

Parental rights generally revolve around child custody, visitation, and child support. These two issues are central to the rights of both mothers and fathers, whether divorced, separated, or never married. Generally, in these cases, one parent is established as the “custodial” parent (who spends the most time with the child), while the other is the “noncustodial” parent.

What Rights Do Noncustodial Parents Have in Texas?

In Texas, noncustodial parents—those who do not have primary physical custody of their children—still retain certain parental rights. These rights are designed to ensure that the noncustodial parent remains involved in their child’s life and can contribute to important decisions about their upbringing.

One of the primary rights of a noncustodial parent is visitation, often referred to as “access” or “possession.” A standard possession order (SPO) typically grants the noncustodial parent visitation on the first, third, and fifth weekends of each month, along with one weeknight per week. A noncustodial parent can also request a visitation agreement to guarantee specific parental times and days with the child.

Noncustodial parents also retain the right to access information regarding their child’s health, education, and welfare. They can consult with the other parent before making decisions regarding these areas.

These rights can be limited or even denied in certain circumstances, such as if the parent has a history of family violence or neglect.

Child support is also generally the responsibility of the noncustodial parent. The court usually determines the amount of child support based on the noncustodial parent’s income.

You can seek legal recourse if you believe your parental rights are being violated. Our experienced family law attorney can help navigate this complex process, advocating for your rights and the child’s best interests.

What Parental Rights Do Fathers Have in Texas?

Texas law presumes a man to be the father of a child if he is married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth or if he voluntarily acknowledges his paternity. However, if the paternity of a child is in question, a paternity action may be necessary to establish the father’s parentage legally.

This process can involve genetic testing and can be initiated by either parent or by the state. Establishing paternity is crucial as it impacts child custody, visitation rights, and child support. An unmarried father who has not voluntarily acknowledged paternity earlier must later establish his paternity to play an active part in his child’s life.

Conversely, an unmarried mother can seek to establish a father’s paternity to file for child support from him.

Unmarried fathers in Texas often need to act quickly to establish and protect their parental rights, especially if there’s a possibility that their child may be placed for adoption.

How Can Parental Rights Be Terminated in Texas?

Termination of parental rights in Texas is a serious matter and can only be ordered by a court. It means the parent has no legal rights or responsibilities towards the child. Termination can be voluntary, such as when a parent consents to an adoption, or involuntary, often due to reasons like abuse, neglect, abandonment, or failure to support the child. Contact us to schedule a consultation or call 469-361-2606 to discuss your options.

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