Grandparents Rights Lawyer in Austin, TX

The upheaval caused by divorce or separation is not limited to parents and children. Often relatives, such as the grandparents, are not factored into child-custody hearings. This oversight can be especially difficult if the grandparent or other family member has played a significant role in raising, or spent considerable time with, the child in question. At the Morrison Law Firm in Austin, we help clients bridge such difficult barriers and offer effective resolutions to the concerns of these extended family members.

 

The Morrison Law Firm has over 29 years of experience navigating delicate family law cases and trying cases for clients in Central Texas. Our team of experienced and compassionate family law specialists will always go the extra mile to help clients. However, we never offer unrealistic optimism or empty promises. We are straightforward about the law and the foreseeable outcomes so that clients can make informed decisions about moving forward in their pursuit of grandparent access (visitation) or grandparent custody. Contact us to discuss your situation with an experienced Texas family law attorney.

 

The Reality of Grandparent Access ∙ Grandparent Visitation Rights

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A divorce or the death of a child's parent can dramatically affect the relationship between grandparent and grandchild, especially if there is tension between the grandparent and the surviving/other parent. When a parent denies grandparent access to the child, the court may step in and grant visitation rights. Where there is proof that denying access between grandparent and child would significantly impair the child's health and well-being, then the court may grant visitation.

 

When Grandparent Child Custody is Considered

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Drugs, alcohol abuse, chemical dependency, neglect, and other types of parental misconduct are behaviors that can severely affect a child's life.  So, if these issues are present in a child's home life, it is sometimes necessary for a grandparent or other relative to step forward and take control. At this point, the court will examine the following to determine the child's best interest:

 

• Is the child's health or well-being endangered in the custody of the parent?

• Will the child's life improve by living with the grandparent over the parent?

 

However, granting a grandparent or other third-party custody of the child would effectively terminate the parental rights of the biological parents. Hence, courts approach these situations with great care. 

 

Ready to Work with an Honest, Experienced Family Attorney?

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We are family law experts, and we will make sure you are made aware of every issue that is likely to arise when pursuing visitation or custodial rights as a grandparent.

 

Schedule an initial consultation with family law expert, Greg Morrison at the Morrison Law Firm today. Call (512) 328-3030 or contact us online.

 

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