Termination of Parental Rights Attorney in Denton, TX

The termination of a parent’s legal rights is a life-altering decision, both for the child and for everyone involved. Whether the termination is voluntary or involuntary, it is a legal process that must be handled with care, precision, and an understanding of Texas law.

At McGlothin Family Law, we represent individuals and families throughout Denton County and the greater Dallas Fort Worth area in cases involving termination of parental rights. Attorney Kelsey McGlothin offers clear, compassionate legal guidance to ensure that your case is handled professionally and with the child’s best interest at the center.

What Is Termination of Parental Rights?

Termination of parental rights is a legal process that ends the legal parent-child relationship. Once rights are terminated, the parent no longer has:

• Custody or visitation rights
• The ability to make legal or medical decisions for the child
• Responsibility for child support or other obligations
• Inheritance rights or other legal ties to the child

Termination may be pursued as a necessary step before an adoption, or it may be the result of abuse, neglect, abandonment, or other serious concerns about the parent’s fitness.

Because this process permanently severs legal ties between a parent and child, Texas courts treat these cases with extreme care.

Voluntary vs. Involuntary Termination

Voluntary Termination

A parent may choose to voluntarily relinquish their parental rights. This often occurs in adoption cases, particularly stepparent adoptions or when the parent agrees that another adult is better positioned to care for the child.

Even if both parties agree, a judge must still approve the termination and determine that it is in the child’s best interest.

Involuntary Termination

The court may terminate a parent’s rights without their consent if there is sufficient evidence that continuing the parent-child relationship would be harmful to the child. Grounds for involuntary termination under Texas law include:

• Abuse or neglect
• Abandonment
• Criminal behavior or incarceration
• Drug or alcohol abuse
• Failure to support the child
• Danger to the child’s physical or emotional well-being
• Parental unfitness or endangerment

These cases can be highly contested and require strong evidence, skilled representation, and an understanding of both family law and courtroom procedure.

The Legal Process in Texas

Termination of parental rights must be approved by a court and is never automatic. The process typically involves:

1. Filing a Petition – This formally requests that the court terminate a parent’s rights.
2. Serving Notice – The parent whose rights are at issue must be given legal notice.
3. Court Investigation or CPS Involvement – In some cases, an investigation or home study may be required.
4. Court Hearing – Both sides may present evidence, testimony, and arguments.
5. Judicial Decision – The judge must find that termination is supported by clear and convincing evidence and is in the child’s best interest.

These are serious cases that require careful handling from beginning to end. Mistakes in the process can result in delays or denial of the termination request.

Termination as Part of the Adoption Process

In Texas, adoption generally cannot take place unless the biological parent’s rights have been terminated. This applies to stepparent adoptions, grandparent adoptions, and private adoptions.

Our firm regularly represents adoptive parents in cases that involve both termination and adoption. We handle both voluntary and contested cases and can guide you through the legal requirements needed to finalize the process and protect your family’s future.

Defending Against Termination

If you have been served with a petition to terminate your parental rights, it is critical to act quickly and protect your legal standing. Texas law does allow the court to terminate rights in certain circumstances, but the burden of proof is high.

We represent parents who are fighting termination due to misunderstandings, false accusations, or a desire to reunite with their child. Our goal is to present a clear picture of your role, your efforts, and your ability to meet the child’s needs now and in the future.

Why Choose McGlothin Family Law

Attorney Kelsey McGlothin understands how emotional and difficult termination of parental rights cases can be. Whether you are trying to terminate the rights of a non-involved or dangerous parent, or you are defending against termination, you need an attorney who will provide honest advice, steady guidance, and strong legal advocacy.

Clients turn to McGlothin Family Law because we offer:

• Dedicated focus on Texas family law
• Local experience with Denton County judges and procedures
• Personal attention to every detail
• Clear communication and dependable representation

These cases are never easy, but we are here to make sure they are handled with integrity and care.

Schedule a Consultation with a Denton Termination of Parental Rights Attorney

Termination of parental rights is one of the most serious actions the court can take. Whether you are petitioning for termination or need to defend your rights as a parent, McGlothin Family Law can help.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help protect your rights and your future.