Parental Rights Lawyer Protecting Your Relationship With Your Child
Last updated on March 30, 2026
Parental rights in Texas allow parents to make decisions about a child’s care, education and well‑being, along with the duty to support and protect them. Courts limit or terminate these rights only when necessary for the child’s safety or best interests.
It is helpful to work with an experienced parental rights lawyer when dealing with emotional issues involving children and parents. Ward, Myers & Stallings takes a compassionate approach. You get a Midland parental rights attorney who has been recognized by Super Lawyers and peer-review rated AV Preeminent* by Martindale-Hubbell.
Addressing Mothers’ Rights
Texas law gives equal parenting rights to mothers and fathers, focusing on the best interests of the child, rather than the gender of the parent. It is a misconception that primary custody rights are always given to mothers.
However, when a child is born, an unmarried mother automatically has full physical and legal rights. If unwed, the father can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form or obtain a court order. While a mother’s rights are automatic, an unmarried father’s rights must be established.
Addressing Fathers’ Rights
A foundational step for an unmarried father in securing his legal rights is to officially establish paternity. Since a paternity test may be necessary, it is important to note that they must typically be conducted in a laboratory setting, rather than using at-home tests.
Paternity tests can be especially helpful if a father’s rights are being challenged or denied. A father who can demonstrate paternity may be able to obtain physical custody rights so he can spend time with the child or legal custody rights to be involved in important decisions.
The Rights Of Other Relatives
Grandparents’ rights and those of other relatives are not automatic under Texas law. Extended family members must typically seek a court order. The same is true for stepparents, who do not have legal rights until an official adoption occurs and the biological parents’ rights have been terminated.
When grandparents or other relatives seek conservatorship of a child, they must show that the parents are unfit or that conservatorship serves the child’s best interests.
Termination Of Parental Rights
Texas allows parental rights to be terminated, eliminating the right to custody, visitation and decision-making power, along with the responsibility for child support. Voluntary terminations are permitted in Texas. Courts can also order an involuntary parental rights termination if it is in the child’s best interests.
Call For A Consultation
To meet with an experienced parental rights attorney in Midland, Texas, dial 432-315-0335 or use the online contact form.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.