Protecting Mothers’ Rights To Their Children
In Texas, a mother is automatically considered a legal parent of any dependent children. However, this does not mean that the mother is automatically granted custody of those children. If you are a mother who feels that your rights and relationships with your children are at risk, you should speak with a family attorney at Angela Faye Brown & Associates as soon as possible. One of our mothers’ rights lawyers in Houston or Austin can help with negotiations or represent you in court.
What Are The Rights Of The Mother?
In terms of custody, the custodial rights of a parent are outlined by a parenting plan or court order. If the mother is the custodial parent, she may win the right to financial child support, based on an amount determined by the court. It is important to note, however, that the father’s paternity of the child must be established before a mother is able to seek child support from him.
If a mother is not the custodial parent, she may expect a custody plan that includes visitation. If a mother has conservatorship, she has the right to participate in decisions on how her child is raised. Some of these decisions include the child’s education, extracurricular activities and religious upbringing.
Regardless of which parent has custody, a mother should feel assured that her child is safe and well cared for when they are with the other parent. If a mother is concerned for her child’s safety, she has the legal right to take action against the child’s other parent. One of our attorneys can help a mother protect her rights and the well-being of her child regardless of the custody arrangement.
Terminating A Father’s Parental Rights
Mothers raising their children alone can petition the court for the termination of the father’s parental rights. Once the judge determines that ceasing the father’s parental rights is in the best interest of the child, they can order the father’s rights terminated.
Typically, absentee fathers who have not taken part in the lives of their children physically or financially for six months or more may have their parental rights terminated. Additional reasons that parental rights might be involuntarily terminated are abandonment, violence, and abuse. A mother who is concerned about the well-being of her child should speak with a Houston attorney about the termination of the father’s parental rights.
What Are A Mother’s Rights In Situations Involving Domestic Abuse?
If a father has been convicted of a domestic abuse-related charge, a judge will take this into consideration when hearing a custody case. However, many times, a history of domestic abuse may exist with no charges or involvement from law enforcement.
While there are many reasons this may be the case, it is often because a mother may fear retribution toward herself or her children and so chooses not to file or press charges against an abusive spouse. However, in instances related to child custody, it is important to present information about an abusive father, whether the abuse is directed at the child or not.
Since the children’s best interests are the focus of who has or shares custody, the courts will consider instances or histories of abuse even if previous charges or injunctions were not filed. In some cases, a court may award a mother sole custodial rights if the father poses a threat to the mother or children. For assistance in navigating challenging situations like domestic abuse, a mother should consult a lawyer in Houston to protect her right to safety.
Contact An Attorney Today
What sets Angela Faye Brown & Associates apart from other family law practices is that the welfare of your child is our highest priority. Custody and divorce disputes can be traumatic and emotional. We want to protect the children from this complex legal process as much as possible. If you are a mother who is dealing with a custody agreement, domestic abuse, child support order or any other family law proceedings, let us assist you. Our Houston mothers’ rights lawyers are here to help. Contact our office today online or by phone at 713-714-3710 to schedule an initial consultation.