Legal Research Guides > Termination of Parental Rights (last updated: 03/13/2024)

General Information

Texaslawhelp.org contains several research articles about Terminating Parental Rights. Read More.

• Child Protective Services: Termination of Parental Rights

• Reinstatement of Parental Rights

• Requirements for the Reinstatement of Parental Rights

• Terminating Parental Rights in Texas

• Unknown Fathers in CPS and Termination Cases

Texas Laws

Texas Family Code

• Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship – Texas Family Code, Chapter 161

  • Affidavit of Voluntary Relinquishment of Parental Rights – Texas Family Code § 161.103

  • Affidavit of Waiver of Interest in Child – Texas Family Code § 161.106

  • Appointment of Department of Family and Protective Services as Managing Conservator – Texas Family Code § 161.208

  • Appointment of Managing Conservator on Termination – Texas Family Code § 161.207

  • Involuntary Termination: Inability to Care for Child – Texas Family Code § 161.003

  • Involuntary Termination of the Parent-Child Relationship – Texas Family Code § 161.001

  • Order Terminating Parental Rights – Texas Family Code § 161.206

  • Petition Allegations; Petition and Motion Requirements – Texas Family Code § 161.101

  • Reinstatement of Parental Rights After Involuntary Termination – Texas Family Code §§ 161.301-161.304

  • Termination When Parent Is Petitioner – Texas Family Code § 161.005

Court Rules

• Texas Rules of Civil Procedure

• Texas Rules of Evidence

• Rules of the Judicial District Courts of Harris County, Texas Family Trial Division

 *Be sure to check the website of the court to which you are assigned. Policies, procedures, and requirements may vary from court to court.

Forms

Online

• I want to terminate my rights. I mistakenly thought I was the genetic father (Termination).

• I want to reinstate my parental rights after termination.

Print

• O’Connor’s Texas Family Law Forms (Also available through Westlaw at the Law Library.)

• Texas Family Law Practice and Procedure (Also available online through the Law Library’s LexisNexis Digital Library.)

• Texas Family Law Practice Manual

• Texas Forms Legal & Business (Also available through Westlaw at the Law Library and through Westlaw Patron Access Remote.)

• Texas Jurisprudence Pleading and Practice Forms (Also available through Westlaw at the Law Library and through Westlaw Patron Access Remote.)

• Texas Legal Practice Forms (Also available through Westlaw at the Law Library and through Westlaw Patron Access Remote.)

• Texas Litigation Guide (Also available online through the Law Library’s LexisNexis Digital Library.)

• West’s Texas Forms (Also available through Westlaw at the Law Library and through Westlaw Patron Access Remote.)

Print Resources

• Children and the Law in a Nutshell, By Douglas E. Abrams, Susan Vivian Mangold, and Sarah Ramsey, West Academic Publishing. This book focuses on the status, rights, and obligation of children and the legal issues that can affect children and juveniles. Chapter 3 addresses termination of parental rights and the requirements of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997.

• Family Law in a Nutshell, By John E.B. Myers, West Academic Publishing. Despite its small size, this book provides an excellent overview of various subjects that make up family law. Chapter 14 discusses terminating the biological parent-child relationship as it relates to adoption.

• Handbook of Texas Family Law: A Quick Reference Guide to the Texas Family Code (Texas Practice Vol. 33), By John F. Elder, Thomson Reuters.  This book analyzes relevant sections of the Texas Family Code and how they relate to family law issues and provides some good practice tips. Chapter 19 focuses on termination of parental rights, addressing such topics, as who may bring suit, the appointment of guardians, and grounds for involuntary termination. (Also available through Westlaw at the Law Library and through Westlaw Patron Access Remote).

• O’Connor’s Texas Family Law Handbook, By Randall B. Wilhite and Eileen Gaffney, Thomson Reuters.  This handbook offers a comprehensive look at the procedural and basic issues relating to family law. Chapter 4-H discusses various aspects of the suit for termination of parental rights, including the statutory grounds, filing information, and the effect of termination. (Also available through Westlaw at the Law Library.)

• Texas Jur III, Thomson Reuters. This legal encyclopedia summarizes several issues relating to the termination of parental rights, including the factors considered when determining the best interests of the child, the relinquishment of parental rights, involuntary termination of parental rights, and details relating to an action for termination. (See Chapter XVII.) (Also available through Westlaw at the Law Library and through Westlaw Patron Access Remote).

• Texas Practice Guide. Family Law, By Ike Vanden Eykel and Kathryn J. Murphy, Thomson Reuters. This book provides practical guidance and strategies for handling issues that arise in family law matters. Chapter 10 addresses issues concerning the parent-child relationship, including the voluntary and involuntary termination of parental rights. (Also available through Westlaw at the Law Library and through Westlaw Patron Access Remote).

Continuing Legal Education (CLE) Resources: The State Bar of Texas requires licensed attorneys to take 15 credits of CLE each year.  CLE courses typically focus on a particular area of law and might include legal theory, practice tips and guidance, developments in the law, or legislative updates. CLEs are secondary resources that are especially useful in that they provide current information about legal topics and issues.

• State Bar of Texas Annual Advanced Family Law Course

• State Bar of Texas Child Abuse and Neglect Workshop

Related Topics

• Adoption

• Basics of Legal Research

• Child Custody & Support