This guide provides an overview of Texas statutes and other resources available in the library and online on the topic of termination of parental rights. When this process is voluntary, it is often referred to as "relinquishment." A court can also order termination of rights which is involuntary. This is a necessary step before the child can be adopted by another parent.

Below you will find references to areas of the Texas Family Code governing termination of the parent-child relationship. If you find these statutes difficult to understand, you may want to look at the "Understanding the Law" resources on this page or speak to an attorney.

Because Texas and federal law may not be easy to understand, below you'll find a collection of resources that help to explain the law in simple terms.

This e-book contains information and forms related to the termination of parental rights. This e-book can be viewed by those who have signed up for a free library account with the Texas State Law Library. Only Texas residents are eligible to sign up. Signing up is free.

See: Volume 4, Objective S - Terminating Parental Rights.
For forms see: Sections S1.100-S1.107, S2.100-S2.101, S4.100-S4.101, and S5.100.

Also see: T3.103, Original Petition for Termination and Adoption by Stepparent, in Volume 4.