Grandparents Rights

Grandparents' Rights to Visitation in Texas Divorce

Based upon the decision of the United States Supreme Court and under Texas family law, grandparents may have statutory rights to child visitation should certain facts present themselves. In fact, grandparents may assert their rights after the parents have been living separately for three months or as soon as a divorce suit is filed.

The general purpose of granting grandparents rights to visitation is to ensure that the family relationships that benefit the child continue even in the event that the parents divorce. To exercise your rights, you have the option of filing an original application for a conservatorship or access to your grandchild or seeking to intervene in an ongoing divorce and custody action.

Timing is often essential in ensuring that your rights to visit your grandchild are protected. An experienced and respected attorney at Fullenweider Wilhite can provide you with a rapid assessment of your current circumstances and take decisive action to help you assert your rights as a grandparent. Contact our offices in Houston today to schedule an initial consultation.

Beyond Divorce: Grandparents' Rights in Other Circumstances

Grandparents may apply for access to a child in a variety of circumstances outside of divorce or separation, including:

• Death of the grandparents' child (the grandchild's parent)
• Incarceration of the grandparents' child
• Determination that the grandparents' child is legally incompetent
• Termination of the parental rights of the grandparents' child
• The child has been a victim of parental abuse or neglect
• The courts have ruled that the child needs supervision or is a delinquent
• The child has lived with the grandparents for six months out of the past two-year period

Real Results in Protecting Grandparents' Rights: The Houston law firm of Fullenweider Wilhite has successfully represented grandparents in both visitation applications and custody disputes.

We believe the ideal parenting time arrangement includes the active involvement of grandparents and others who love and care for the child. To explore your legal options for obtaining or maintaining appropriate access to your grandchild, please contact us today and ask to speak to an attorney regarding grandparents' rights to visitation.