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So, in Texas, once the man was identified by DNA as the birthfather, he would have one year to work a case plan. Case plans usually include things like having stable housing and employment, drug tests, counseling, etc. There would be a court hearing every few months to check his progress. Depending on how well he was doing on his case plan, they may or may not begin to consider TPR (termination of parental rights) for the father. If TPR becomes the goal, there is a "final" hearing set to actually do the TPR. After that, he will have 30 days to appeal the TPR decision. If he DOES work his case plan, the goal for the child could change to reunification. The court can reunify once they feel he is able to take care of the child. In Texas, your friend would have some legal rights since the child has been with her for a year. She could hire a lawyer to advocate for her in court. Also, if the birthfather was planning to have his mother keep the child, the state would require that a homestudy be performed on her. Hope this helps. Having been through this, I know it is not easy. I'll keep you friend in my thoughts. . .
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