Location: South Texas
Hi everyone, I’m trying to get some insight on my situation.
What are my odds of getting full custody, or possibly terminating the father’s parental rights?
Long story short, we separated in 2022 due to domestic violence and I kicked him out. Since then, he moved to Mexico, married someone else, and had another child. My kids went through trauma from the DV and want nothing to do with him.
He has had zero contact with the kids since 2022 and has not paid any child support. I tried opening a child support case, but they were never able to locate him.
Late 2025, he was arrested while crossing into the U.S. with around $75K in cash. He got out on bond, was supposed to appear in court, but didn’t and fled to Mexico. From what I’ve been told, he’s currently there and avoiding everything.
Given the abandonment, lack of support, and his legal issues:
What are my chances of getting full custody?
What are the chances of terminating his parental rights?
Is this something I could realistically handle on my own (pro se), or is a lawyer pretty much necessary?
Any advice or similar experiences would really help. Thank you.