Parental Rights Serving Families Throughout McKinney, TX & Surrounding Areas

McKinney Parental Rights Lawyer

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 parental rights attorney at Petitt Family Law 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. 

Get legal counsel about your parental rights from our McKinney attorney. Use our convenient contact form to reach us or call (469) 716-6893

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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.

 

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Protecting Your Parental Rights in Texas

As a parent, it's important to understand and protect your rights under Texas law. Our experienced McKinney parental rights lawyers are dedicated to helping parents navigate the complex legal issues that may arise in family law cases. Whether you are facing a custody dispute, paternity case, or termination of parental rights, we are here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need.

Some of the key parental rights issues we can assist with include:

  • Establishing and modifying custody and visitation agreements
  • Defending against false allegations of abuse or neglect
  • Asserting the rights of noncustodial parents to maintain a meaningful relationship with their children
  • Navigating the legal process of establishing paternity and parental rights
  • Protecting parental rights in cases involving termination of parental rights

At Petitt Family Law, we understand the importance of preserving the parent-child relationship and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and the best interests of your children.

Common Mistakes in Handling Parental Rights Issues

When facing parental rights issues, individuals often make certain mistakes due to a lack of legal knowledge or emotional stress. Some parents might unknowingly violate court orders, such as by taking their child out of state without permission. Often these parents believe that they are acting within their rights, but this can be a dire mistake when it comes to your rights as a parent.

Misinterpretation of parental rights law can lead to serious legal repercussions, including the possibility of losing custody or visitation rights. Attempting to handle complex legal matters without professional guidance is an all too common error that can lead to decisions that may not be in the best interests of the child or their parent. This is why seeking out a parental rights lawyer near you is the first step you should take when dealing with a parental rights issue.

How a Parental Rights Attorney Can Help

A McKinney parental rights attorney navigates the intricacies of parental rights law, helping to avoid the common pitfalls that many parents face. These legal professionals are well-versed in the statutes and regulations governing family law in Texas and provide essential advice and representation to ensure that a parent's actions are both legally sound and in the best interests of the child.

Seeking the assistance of a knowledgeable parental rights lawyer can be instrumental in cases such as establishing paternity, negotiating custody and visitation agreements, and defending against allegations that may affect parental rights. They can also guide parents through the legal ramifications of their actions, helping to prevent unintended violations of court orders. By leveraging their expertise, a parental rights attorney not only aids in protecting a parent's legal rights but also in securing a favorable outcome for the child involved.

Why Choose Petitt Family Law?

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    Work with a dedicated law firm with positive reviews from happy clients.
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    Attorney Melody Petitt has over 2 decades of family law experience.
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Petitt Family Law Can Advocate for Your Parental Rights

Texas family law strives to uphold the child's best interests while respecting both parents' rights. Whether you're dealing with issues of custody, paternity, or termination of parental rights, a knowledgeable family law attorney can be your best ally.

Our family law attorney can provide invaluable assistance in navigating these complex issues. Attorney Petitt can help protect your parental rights, guide you through the legal process, represent you in court proceedings, and provide advice and support tailored to your specific situation.

Contact us today at (469) 716-6893 for legal guidance. 

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