Terminating Parental Rights
Termination of Parental Rights for Stepparent Adoption
Many times, the issue of terminating parental rights arises when a remarried spouse wants the stepparent to become the legal parent. At Mark Rush Williamson, PC in Dallas, Texas, we have assisted clients in this important step of termination of parental rights prior to adoptions and other legal actions.
Most often, termination of parental rights occurs because a stepparent married to the biological mother or father wishes to legally adopt the child. A parent's legal relationship with a child ends upon the termination of their rights. Termination of parental rights is final and irrevocable. This can be a complex and contentious issue. The decision should not be made in haste. The feelings and interests of both the child and the biological parent losing rights must be taken into account. At Mark Rush Williamson, PC, we will assist with all aspects in the termination of parental rights.
Voluntary Termination of Parental Rights
Termination of parental rights often occurs voluntarily. One parent could relinquish his or her rights if the ex-spouse has since remarried. The stepparent becoming the legal parent is generally in the best interest of the child. Terminating the non-custodial biological parent's parental rights is the first step in stepparent adoption.
We also handle termination of parental rights cases that involve serving notice on the biological parent that the other parent is seeking to terminate their rights, many times to facilitate an adoption. If the biological parent cannot be located, a notice will be published in a local newspaper as a formal notification. If there is no response to that and all attempts to contact have been exhausted, then the process of termination of parental rights can begin.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an experienced family lawyer regarding termination of parental rights or appealing termination of parental rights, please contact us.
