Houston Grandparents' Rights Lawyer
At the Law Offices of Barbara Lynch Schnack, P.C., we help grandparents throughout Houston seek greater access to their grandchildren. We also represent grandparents wishing to adopt.
Contact us by email to arrange an initial consultation with attorney Barbara Lynch Schnack.
In What Situations Can a Grandparent Seek Rights?
The right of a fit parent to raise his or her children without interference from others is protected by the U.S. Constitution. However, the law also recognizes that circumstances can exist in which a child's best interest will be served by having contact with a loving grandparent over the objection of a parent.
In Texas, grandparents may assert their rights to access to their grandchildren if:
- The grandparents' child (the co-parent of the minor child) has been jailed or imprisoned for a three-month period.
- The grandparents' child has been determined to be legally incapacitated, deceased, or has no actual or court-ordered access to the child.
While these rights are limited, the law provides an avenue for grandparents to maintain a role in the lives of their grandchildren.
When parents are divorced or have been living apart for a three-month period prior to the filing of a visitation application (or if a suit for dissolution of the marriage is pending) grandparents may pursue their right to access. Proof of child neglect or abuse may result in a decision in favor of a grandparent, as well as if the child has been legally ruled a delinquent or is in need of supervision.
Find out more about grandparent adoptions.
Physical or Mental Impairment of the Parent
Grandparents sometimes find themselves raising their grandchildren because of absence or the physical or mental impairment of the parents. If you find yourself in this situation, there are options available to you.
We Want to Help
Our culture isn't sufficiently appreciative of the hands-on involvement of some of the most devoted people among us: active, loving grandparents. If that describes you we want you to know that you have a friend in this family law firm. To learn if we can help with your quest to gain access to your grandchild, please get in touch with our Houston offices immediately.
Arrange a Consultation
To schedule a consultation at our Houston law office, contact us by email. We will help you explore options in seeking custody or visitation rights as a grandparent.
