Grandparents’ Rights

In many families, grandparents and their grandchildren share a precious bond. In some cases, grandparents play a vital role in raising their grandchildren. At J. Mark Howell Attorney at Law, P.C., we help individuals and families understand and protect their rights in matters of child custody and visitation.

Our clients include married and unmarried parents who are trying to safeguard their parental rights, as well as grandparents and other relatives who wish to pursue child custody or visitation time.

Protecting The Child’s Best Interests

Under Texas law, there is a presumption that a child’s parents know what is in the child’s best interests. Courts typically leave parents free to make decisions about whether the child will see his or her grandparents.

However, there are cases when a court may determine that the parent is not acting in the child’s best interests. If the parents have failed to do what is best for the child by breaking the law, not taking care of the child or otherwise making bad decisions about the child’s care, a court may terminate the parent’s rights and assign custody to a grandparent or other relative. Texas courts may authorize grandparent visitation in certain circumstances if it is in the child’s best interest.

Contact Us For A Consultation

To learn more about your rights as a parent or grandparent, please contact us online or call our Decatur, Texas, office at 940-539-9005.