I have a horrible ex who is abusive and has gotten worse since he returned from iraq. He refuses to get help, so heres the deal were going to court on three different contempts of court failure to comply with agreed parenting plan , paying medical co - pays and the child support order. Since were going thru all this in the state of Tennessee, Texas the kids legal residence is stepping in and were seeking termination of rights so my current husband can adopt them. Now I have heard many rumors and my lawyer charges for every minute it seems like, So Once his rights are terminated does he still have to pay the arrearages from child support or is it wiped clean? And also I heard that even if you terminate rights and your spouse adopts them , that unless abuse is proven the biological parent that loses rights can maintain there visitation rights? I am using this law Texas Laws :Citation: Fam. Code §§ 161.003; 161.005; 161.006; 161.007 The parent's rights can be terminated on the grounds of abandonment, nonsupport, endangerment, abuse, or neglect. So my question is what can happen will I still have to let the kids see him ? Is he going to pay back owed money? And exactly what happens when he claims in court he cant afford an attorney but he makes more money than us? Any info will help so i dont incur anymore bills.