If you’re one of the many people who never wanted kids, who had an unplanned baby too early, or who believes that you can’t make a great life for your child, then you might want to know that it is possible to relinquish your Parental Rights, at least according to Texas Law. Even though the state protocol for parents is to encourage active participation and involvement in the child’s life, the law contains loopholes for pretty much everything given the right circumstances and pieces of evidence.

It’s not a common action, most of the time, parents who aren’t ready to become parents resort to child abandonment or neglect. Which is sad because the children are left to grow up unguided in the care of the state. So if you consider yourself fitting in one of the descriptions mentioned above, I want you to know that you have another choice – a healthier and better choice at that, although it might be frowned upon. There are two general points the court would have to consider before freeing you of your Parental rights.

A Strong and Valid reason

You can give up your parental rights, provided that you have a strong and valid reason for your case to be allowed in court. Of course, it won’t be easy and you have to go through the right procedures which may take a while, but it’s better to accept your unfitness early on than make the child suffer in the end. Another factor the court would check is if there is another person willing to step up, before you ultimately step down from your position as a parent.

For instance, if you were forced into parenthood because of an unplanned pregnancy, you will need to provide child support for a kid you didn’t even want. That may hurt not only your lifestyle, but also burden your pockets. Especially if you have to fit the costs of having a kid into what you can barely call a salary. So instead of avoiding the calls for follow-ups on child support, admit to the other party that you can’t continue and that you would like to give up your parental rights.

Would it be Beneficial for the Child?

In most cases, the judge assigned to a case would directly speak to the child in question, so long as they are aged 12 and above, to help him or her make a decision. Your parental history with the child would also be reviewed by the judge. Another point that would be considered is if the child would be able to achieve successes after relinquishing your rights as a parent.

I want you to know that you always have a choice, even in tricky situations such as this. There are people who specializes in every field imaginable, you just have to find the right one that can help you get through it. Voluntarily relinquishing your rights as a parent is a choice, but before making that choice, you should consider all applicable factors and solutions before finally settling for one. I hope you make the right decisions.

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