Removing A Father's Rights In Texas

[KMLSCH25]

My question involves paternity law for the State of: Texas
My daughter is a little over 4 months old. She was born in Dec 2007. From June 2007 until the night I had her I never heard from her father. Then I have only had 2 phone calls since she was born and both were over 4 months ago. He has never signed anything, is not on the birth certificate and she has my last name. He tells people that he has a daughter and his parents even send her stuff and write. He has never seen her. HE has a criminal record and rarely holds a job of the legal manner. I have been face to face with him and he never acknoweldged I was there. I have been gathering stuff to take him to court to file for child support but have recently heard that he has gone back to jail for assualt. Now I think I wold just rather him have no rights to my daughter.
What are my choices and what would I need to prove that he is should stay away?

[CourtClerk]

Please see my signature under this post....

[KMLSCH25]

Thanks for your OPINION but that wasnt my question

[panther10758]

I agree with CC. However heres the bottom line you cant take away his rights he can give them up (not likely without a husband willing to adopt) or court can. That is also not likely. When you choose (yes it was a choice) to have a child with this man you forever bonded you two together. Now here is an option since he is not on BC you can legally refuse him visits etc. However he cannot be made to pay support either

[525601minutes]

Unless and until the father files papers asking that he be legally established as the father and be given visitation rights - you really don't have anything to worry about. He doesn't really strike me as the kind of guy who is going to want to be that involved ... However, if YOU make the first move and file for child support or file to prevent him the option of filing later on - it may cause him to retaliate. Also keep in mind that the grandparents could file to seek their rights if he is recognized as the legal father.

[KMLSCH25]

I appreciate the help. No I dont think honestly he will attempt to have anything to do with her, thats fine its his choice. If his parents were to file for their rights I wouldnt have a problem with that. Yes, I chose to have her and and am doing everythignin my power to take good care of her. But part of being a parent is protecting your children from unwanted influences even if that influence is the other parent. Thanks again.