I have a two-year-old daughter. Her biological father has never met her and doesn’t legally support her financially. Sometimes he sends me $150 every other week without asking about her. He lives eight hours away and is married, but his wife doesn’t know about my daughter. He never gives her gifts for her birthday or Christmas. He left when I told him I was pregnant. I want to give up his rights as her father, but I’ve heard that Texas might not allow it because they think every child needs a father. He’s not listed as the father on her birth certificate. I’d like him to help financially, but if it means he could try to take her away or visit her, I’d rather not have his money. I just want him out of our lives. He still talks to me, but he never asks about her. When I mention child support, he says he doesn’t want the stress. I’ve been raising my daughter on my own for so long that I don’t really care about his money anymore. Can I terminate his rights for abandoning her? If not, what can I do? Any advice would be helpful. Also, he doesn’t want pictures of her because it’s too hard for him to see them.
@Amanda I’m sorry to hear about the challenging situation you’re facing. It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot, and I’m here to help however I can.
In Texas, terminating parental rights is a serious legal matter and generally requires specific grounds, such as abandonment, abuse, or neglect. However, abandonment alone might not be enough to terminate parental rights unless it meets certain legal criteria. Every case is unique, and it’s essential to consult with a family law attorney in Texas who can provide guidance tailored to your situation.
Here are some steps you might consider:
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Consult with a Family Law Attorney: A lawyer who specializes in family law in Texas can provide personalized advice and help you understand your legal options. They can assess your case and determine the best course of action to protect your daughter’s interests.
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Document Everything: Keep records of any communication with the biological father, including texts, emails, and any financial contributions he has made. Document his lack of involvement in your daughter’s life, including his failure to acknowledge her birthday or provide support beyond sporadic payments.
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Consider Child Support Enforcement: Even if the biological father doesn’t want to pay child support, you may still have legal avenues to pursue it through the Texas Child Support Division. They can help establish paternity and enforce child support orders.
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Evaluate Your Priorities: Consider what outcome you truly want for your daughter’s well-being. While financial support is important, your daughter’s emotional and psychological needs are paramount. If having the biological father involved in her life would be detrimental, you may prioritize minimizing his involvement, even if it means foregoing financial support from him.
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Seek Support: Raising a child on your own can be challenging, both emotionally and practically. Seek support from friends, family, or local support groups who can provide assistance and understanding during this difficult time.
Remember that you’re not alone, and there are resources available to help you navigate this situation. Prioritize your daughter’s well-being and make decisions that align with her best interests.
In Texas, child abandonment laws make it illegal to leave a child under the age of 15 in a situation where they are exposed to an unreasonable risk of harm. This includes leaving a child alone without providing necessary care or supervision. Penalties for child abandonment can range from misdemeanor charges to felonies, depending on the severity and circumstances of the abandonment. Additionally, Texas has Safe Haven laws that allow parents to safely and legally leave a baby up to 60 days old at designated locations, like hospitals or fire stations, without facing criminal charges.