Q: I have no clue where my spouse is. I’m trying to terminate parental rights and get a divorce.
The non-custodial parent is not in the picture we live in two different states and he only wants to be a family if I wanted to be with him. I have proof of no help, or wanting nothing to do with our child but, he’s been abusive to me and holding the marriage over my head. I don’t know where he is. What forms would I have to file and can a lawyer in Killeen help me?
A:
In Texas, if you are unable to locate your spouse, you can file for a divorce by publication. This involves legally notifying your spouse of the divorce proceedings through a notice published in a newspaper in the area where they were last known to reside. This method is used when all other attempts to locate the spouse have failed.
For the termination of parental rights, Texas law requires specific grounds to be established, such as abandonment, neglect, abuse, or continuous failure to provide support. Given the circumstances you described, including the history of abuse and lack of involvement in your child's life, these might be relevant factors in your case.
An attorney in Killeen, or your local area in Texas, can provide help you prepare and file the needed documents to get the ball rolling. They can also guide you through the specific requirements of the legal process, ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to protect your and your child's interests.
Given the complexities of your case, especially with the involvement of abuse and interstate matters, you will likely need an attorney. A Texas family law attorney will have the expertise to navigate the state's legal system and help you achieve a resolution that is in the best interest of you and your child.
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