CPS Termination of Parental Rights
Collin, Denton, Dallas, Grayson & Surrounding Counties Click to CallProtecting Families. Defending Parents. Fighting Back When CPS Oversteps (469) 935-4600
Protecting Families. Defending Parents.
(469) 935-4600
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CPS Defense
CPS Termination of Parental Rights
CPS Lawyers in Frisco | Denton
When CPS Tries to Sever the Bond in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Grayson and Surrounding Texas Counties
If you’ve received notice that CPS has filed a petition to terminate your parental rights, you are facing the most serious action Texas family courts can take. Termination is permanent. It severs your legal relationship with your child—no visitation, no decision-making, no future reunification. At Ridgely Davis Law, we fight to preserve the parent-child bond and force the state to meet its heavy burden under Texas law.
At Ridgely Davis Law, we represent parents throughout Texas, including all of DFW, Greater Houston and and surrounding Texas Counties, in both the CPS and criminal justice systems.
We represent clients in:
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Dallas County
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Tarrant County
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Denton County
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Collin County
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Rockwall, Ellis, Johnson, Kaufman & more in DFW
- Harris County
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Montgomery County
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Fort Bend County
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Brazos County
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Grimes, Robertson, Walker, Waller, & more in Houston
Call us today or book your free consultation online.
⚖️ What Does “Termination” Mean in CPS Cases?
Termination of parental rights is a legal process where the court strips a parent of all legal rights and duties to their child. Under Tex. Fam. Code § 161.001, the court must find:
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At least one statutory ground for termination (e.g., abandonment, endangerment, failure to comply with a service plan), and
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That termination is in the child’s best interest
The standard of proof is clear and convincing evidence—higher than in most civil cases, but less than “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
🚨 Common Grounds for Termination Alleged by CPS
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Endangering the child’s physical or emotional well-being
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Failing to complete a court-ordered service plan
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Using drugs in a way that harms the child
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Abandonment or voluntary placement for over six months
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Having parental rights terminated to another child
CPS may also seek termination based on criminal conduct, domestic violence, or incarceration.
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with an Experienced CPS Defense Lawyer in Frisco | Denton, TX serving Collin, Dallas, Denton, Grayson and surrounding DFW Counties and Greater Houston. (469) 935-4600
🛑What You Can Do Now
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Hire experienced CPS counsel immediately
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Demand and review your DFPS records and court file
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Gather witnesses and documentation to rebut the allegations
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Propose a safe, supportive placement with family or kin
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Build a case plan that shows progress and parenting capacity
📋 How Ridgely Davis Law Can Help
We defend termination cases by:
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Challenging CPS evidence and investigator credibility
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Presenting alternative caregivers or placement options
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Fighting for extensions when progress is being made
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Demanding the state prove both statutory grounds and best interest
In some cases, we push for a Monitored Return, joint conservatorship, or conditional custody instead of a full termination.
At Ridgely Davis, our CPS Defense team defends parents across Texas courtrooms. We understand DFPS procedures, and we act quickly to protect your parental rights.
When to Call Ridgely Davis Law
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You’ve been contacted by a CPS investigator
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CPS wants to speak to your children without you
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You’ve been asked to sign a safety plan
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You’re facing a possible removal or court case
📚 Key Reminder: You do not have to be guilty to be accused—and in these cases, the accusation alone is often enough to destroy a family or career. We’ve helped parents, teachers, step-parents, and grandparents clear their names when the system rushed to judgment.
📍 Serving clients in DFW including Dallas, Fort Worth, Denton, Collin, Grayson, Ellis, Greater Houston surrounding counties and throughout Texas. Let Ridgely Davis Law step in and take control before CPS or the courts decide your future for you.
Fast action can change the outcome. Let us help you get back in control.
Take the first Step
You're not alone—and you don’t have to figure this out on your own. If CPS has contacted you or you're worried they might, now is the time to act. Fill out the form below to schedule a confidential consultation. One of our team members will reach out promptly to discuss your next steps.
✅ All inquiries are kept 100% confidential
✅ We respond quickly—often within the hour
✅ No cost or obligation to submit this form
Schedule a Free Case Evaluation with an Experienced CPS Defense Lawyer in Frisco, TX | Denton, TX serving Collin, Dallas, Denton, Grayson and surrounding Counties as well as Greater Houston.
Over 40 Years Combined Legal Experience
How We Can Help
✅ Detailed review of the DFPS affidavit and service plan failures
✅ In-court objections and cross-examination of CPS experts
✅ Psychological and substance-use evaluations when needed
✅ Courtroom advocacy focused on reunification or lesser alternatives
✅ Aggressive trial preparation and appellate review when necessary
📞 If you’ve been served with a CPS Termination Suit, contact Ridgely Davis Law right away. Early intervention can mean the difference between child reunification or a CPS Termination Trial.
We are here to help you. Schedule a consult with the experienced CPS Defense Lawyers at Ridgely Davis in Frisco | Denton Texas, serving DFW and Greater Houston.
Faqs
How We Can Help
CPS Termination Suits
1. What’s the difference between removal and termination?
Removal means CPS has taken temporary custody. Termination means your rights as a parent are permanently severed. You cannot regain custody or visitation once termination is final. That’s why early legal action is critical if CPS even hints at pursuing termination.
2. Can CPS terminate my rights without a trial?
In some cases, yes—if you fail to appear or default, the court may grant termination by default. But in most cases, a trial is held where CPS must present clear and convincing evidence. You have the right to contest every claim. Don’t assume the process will move slowly—termination timelines are aggressively enforced.
3. What is a service plan, and why does it matter?
A service plan outlines tasks CPS expects you to complete—like counseling, rehab, classes, or stable housing. If you fail to complete the plan, CPS may use that as grounds for termination. But the plan must be reasonable, and you can fight unrealistic timelines or demands with a lawyer’s help.
4. What happens at the termination trial?
CPS presents evidence to prove both a statutory ground and that termination is in the child’s best interest. Your lawyer can cross-examine witnesses, present your evidence, and argue for alternatives. Judges or juries can decide. If you lose, appeals must be filed quickly.
5. What is the “best interest of the child” standard?
This is a legal balancing test based on factors like stability, danger, attachment, parenting ability, and future prospects. CPS must prove that termination serves the child better than reunification or alternative placements. Your lawyer can introduce evidence of your bond, parenting, and support system.
6. Can I get my rights reinstated after termination?
In Texas, once your rights are terminated, they are gone permanently. There is no automatic right to appeal or reinstate later. That’s why strong legal defense is crucial early in the process.
7. What if I’m incarcerated—can CPS terminate my rights?
Yes. Incarceration alone may be a ground for termination, especially if the sentence is long. But courts still require proof that termination is in the child’s best interest. Alternatives like guardianship may be possible with legal advocacy.
8. Can a relative adopt my child instead of termination?
9. Can I voluntarily relinquish my rights?
Yes, but it must be done with informed consent through a court proceeding. Relinquishment may preserve dignity or avoid trial, but it also means giving up all rights. We often negotiate terms and conditions in these situations.
10. How long does a CPS termination case last?
By law, CPS cases must resolve within 12 months unless the court grants a short extension. The process moves fast, especially if CPS claims the child is in danger. Every court appearance matters. Early legal help increases the chance of keeping your rights.
Trusted CPS DEFENSE Attorneys