In Texas family law, few legal actions are as serious and consequential as the termination of parental rights. Termination is the process of permanently severing the legal relationship between a parent and their child. Courts only grant such orders in the most extreme circumstances, prioritizing the best interests and safety of the child above all
Dallas Family Law Attorney Michelle May O’Neil was cited in an article published today in the Texas Lawyer news magazine. The article entitled Toddler Tug of War: Mother and Couple at Odds in Parental Rights Termination Case by John Council discusses a case pending in the Houston 1st Court of Appeals seeking to terminate a mother’s parental rights when the baby was secreted from the mother by the father and unknowingly placed with a prospecitve adoptive family.
Continue Reading Toddler Tug of War Article Quotes Dallas Family Law Attorney O’Neil
Family Code requirement of filing a Statement of Points in a government termination case within 15-days of the signing of the final order is unconstitutional as applied when it bars parents from raising an ineffective assistance of counsel claim.
Continue Reading Statement of Points Unconstitutional As Applied Says Texas Supreme Court
Today I was interviewed by John Council with Texas Lawyer Magazine about the In re JOA opinion issued recently by the Texas Supreme Court for the Video Blog Reversed and Remanded. Seriously, you should go look at the video. (I wish I had worn a different shirt!) The Texas Supreme Court declared Texas Family Code section 263.405(b) unconstitutional
Continue Reading Constitutionality of Termination Law — Video Interview
Senate Bill 1838 was signed into law by Governor Perry yesterday. The new law authorizes the court to order termination of the parent-child relationship if the court finds clear and convincing evidence that the parent has been convicted of a criminal attempt to the murder or criminal solicitation to murder the other parent of the child.
Continue Reading Termination of Parental Rights for Attempted Murder
