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How can I reinstate parental rights?

Asked in Galveston, TX - about 2 years

Several years ago I moved out of my parents home at 17 with my infant daughter. I didn't trust a babysitter so I let he stay with them when Iwas working. They pressured me into letting them have her. Years later I wanted her back, they filed a restraining order and took me to court, and with lies in an affidavit, a judge on their side, they pressured me to sign over my parental rights and they in return would not sue for chiold support. Now the family has gone downhill, they are gewtting divirced and CPS is involved. They adopted her the day they made me sign my rights over. Is there any way to get her back now?

Attorney Answers (3)

Jordan E. Watson

Jordan E. Watson

Denton Family Law Attorney

Licensed in TX

Answered about 2 years ago. Since you have no parental rights, you have no legal standing at this point to sue to adopt. You'd need to have custody of your child for at least 6 months before you could have standing to sue for conservatorship of your child. Unfortunately, once you rights are terminated, there's no way to reinstate them. You'd have to basically adopt your own child, because in the eyes of Texas, you are no longer that child's parent, but are legally a stranger to them.
This is for educational purposes only. This answer is given based on the facts provided above. Contact a local... more
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Christopher Jay Harding

Christopher Jay Harding

Dallas Family Law Attorney

Licensed in TX

Answered about 2 years ago. You would need to adopt the child, which normally requires consent of the current parents or guardians (if the child is a ward of the state).
This answer is intended for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice... more
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Fran Brochstein

Fran Brochstein

Houston Mediation Attorney

Licensed in TX

Answered about 2 years ago. I agree with the other attorneys - your parental rights have been terminated -- so technically you are a "stranger" to your child.

That said, I would be in contact with CPS & in the courtroom doing anything and everything that I could to re-open the door & start fresh.

You don't include in your statement how old the child is now or if the child has any sort of relationship with you.

I would be there as an "option" to the 2 fighting parents. I would be the rational & reasonable alternative. I would be creative & flexible in offering alternatives to the fighting parents.

I would also hire the best attorney that I could find in the Galveston area.

Check this website & www.lawguru.com. As I'm sure you know, Galveston judges prefer Galveston attorneys and not lawyers from Houston.

Good luck!
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