My question involves a child custody case from the State of Texas
My daughter was born almost 12 years ago. Her birth father is on the birth certificate but we were never married and he only saw her on a few occasions up until she was about 3 and then disappeared out of our lives.
He has been in prison for the last few years and I believe has recently been paroled but has not reached out to us.
I'm looking into trips for the two of us (my daughter and I) and cruises require passports.
My question is this - since we were never married and there has never been any custody dispute with her birth father (he does not pay child support, ask for visitation, nothing) - am I recognized as the sole custodial parent? In order to obtain a passport, would I have to hunt him down and pray he signed the release form?
I'm trying to decide if a possible vacation choice of a cruise is simply too much hassle until she's 16 (when only one parent is required).
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

