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If the father is absent from his child's life for an extended period without a good reason (usually six months or more), the mother may bring a case to the court for the removal of paternal rights. This is only ordered in the most extreme cases.

Parental rights can only be terminated by court order in Texas. A signed voluntary relinquishment or waiver of interest, or even a failure to file with the paternity registry, is not enough to forever end parental rights. A judge must sign a court order to end those rights forever.

Although there is no specific duration outlined in the law, a parent's continuous absence, lack of communication, and failure to provide financial and emotional support can be considered evidence of abandonment.

It also terminates child support obligations. Parental rights are terminated in one of two ways: * Voluntarily, with the consent of the parent who agrees to relinquish their rights. * Involuntarily, by filing a termination lawsuit and convincing a family law court that the other parent's rights should be terminated.

A paternity test is simple - the parents and child(ren) have their cheeks swabbed either in court, at a local clinic, or at a local Child Support office. DNA tests can determine the biological father with 99% accuracy.

Establishing paternity only comes with a time limit if that child already has a presumed father, who is not you. This time limit is four years after the birth of that child, as specified on their birth certificate. However, there are exceptions to this period of four years.