Parental Rights Attorney in Tarrant and Denton Counties

Protecting Your Role in Your Child’s Life

When it comes to family law, few matters are more important than securing and protecting your parental rights. Whether you are fighting for custody, seeking to establish paternity, or protecting your decision-making authority, Setzer Law Firm PLLC is here to advocate for you and ensure that your rights—and your child’s best interests—remain a top priority.

We proudly represent parents across Colleyville, Southlake, Keller, Grapevine, Roanoke, and surrounding communities.

Understanding Parental Rights in Texas

Parental rights encompass the legal rights and responsibilities parents have regarding their children, including:

  • Making decisions about education, healthcare, and medical decisions
  • Determining where the child resides
  • Managing the child’s financial and personal affairs
  • Maintaining custody and visitation rights

When relationships between parents break down, conflicts over these rights can quickly escalate. At Setzer Law Firm PLLC, we provide strategic guidance to help you assert and protect your role in your child’s life.

Facing a custody dispute? Learn more about our Child Custody Services.

Common Parental Rights Issues We Handle

Our experienced family law attorneys assist with a variety of parental rights cases, including:

  • Custody and visitation disputes
  • Paternity establishment and challenges
  • Parental rights enforcement when the other parent violates court orders
  • Protection of parental rights in cases involving abuse, neglect, or abandonment
  • Modifications of existing orders when significant changes occur

We are committed to protecting your rights while prioritizing the best interests of your child.

When Parental Rights Can Be Challenged or Terminated

Although Texas courts generally favor preserving parental rights, they may terminate them in extreme situations, such as:

  • Abandonment of the child
  • Abuse or neglect
  • Endangerment of the child’s safety or well-being
  • Failure to support the child financially or emotionally
  • Voluntary relinquishment of rights
  • Drug use or alcohol abuse

If you are facing a threat to your parental rights, or if you need to protect a child from a dangerous situation, you need experienced legal representation to navigate the process effectively.

Our Mediation Process

At Setzer Law Firm, we prepare our clients for mediation with the same care and strategy as we would for trial. Our process includes:

  1. Initial consultation to assess your case
  2. Preparation of financial documents and disclosures
  3. Strategic goal setting to define what matters most to you
  4. Review of mediated agreements to ensure legal accuracy and fairness
  5. Filing and finalization of your divorce decree with the court

We are by your side from start to finish, making you be informed and empowered every step of the way.

Protecting Fathers’ and Mothers’ Rights Equally

At Setzer Law Firm, we understand that both mothers and fathers play critical roles in a child’s life. We work diligently to ensure that parents—regardless of gender—are treated fairly under the law. Whether you are pursuing primary custody, equal parenting time, or decision-making authority, we are here to stand by your side.

Why Choose Setzer Law Firm for Your Parental Rights Case?

  • Over 30 years of family law experience in Texas
  • Strategic, personalized legal advice tailored to your goals
  • Strong advocacy both in and out of court
  • Deep understanding of Tarrant and Denton County family court procedures
  • compassionate and empathetic for you and your family every step of the way

FAQ About Parental Rights

Yes. A parent may voluntarily relinquish their rights, often in cases involving stepparent adoption. However, voluntary termination must still be approved by a court to ensure that it serves the child's best interests.

If the other parent is refusing to comply with a court-ordered custody or visitation arrangement, you have the right to seek enforcement through the court system. We can assist you in filing an enforcement action and protecting your access rights.

If you are not listed on the birth certificate or were not married to the child's other parent, you will need to establish paternity legally. Once paternity is confirmed, you can pursue custody, visitation, and decision-making rights. 

Yes. If there has been a substantial change in circumstances, such as relocation, changes in the child’s needs, the other parent's behavior, or ability to financially provide for the basic needs of your child (i.e. housing, food, clothing, etc.). You may request a modification through the court. Our team can guide you through the process to protect your child's best interests.