Houston Grandparents’ Rights Attorney

If you need to fight for your rights as a grandparent, contact Gregory Law PLLC for help. In most circumstances, grandparents have no guaranteed rights to see their grandchildren or have any say in their decisions. However, in certain circumstances, grandparents can go to family court in order to prove that their grandchild is either at risk of harm from parents or else at risk of emotional harm if the child can’t see their grandparents.

These cases are exceptionally difficult, so in order to have the best chance at success, you’ll need to work with experienced lawyers like those at Gregory Law PLLC. Our firm has decades of experience helping families like yours through similarly stressful situations. A grandparents’ rights case suggests something is fundamentally wrong in the family, and we are committed to helping you set that right.

If you or someone you know is considering pursuing a grandparents’ rights case, contact Gregory Law PLLC at (713) 861-1293. We’re ready to help you secure the safety of your grandchildren and a guaranteed place for you in their lives.

What a Lawyer Can Do for Your Grandparents’ Rights Case

Texas, like most states, does not afford grandparents the same rights it affords parents. In general, it is the parents’ right to choose who gets to see their children, including barring grandparents from contacting their children. Overriding the parents’ wishes to obtain grandparent visitation or custody rights is an extremely difficult task that you will not be able to do alone.

To achieve grandparent rights, you will first need to get a judge to hear your case, which may be harder than it seems. A lawyer will know what to do to ensure you get your day in court. Then, you must be able to demonstrate that grandparent visitation or custody is in the best interests of the child and that it will not interfere with the parent-child relationship. You may have to prove that the parent or parents are unfit to raise the child, which can be complicated as well as emotionally taxing, particularly if you are arguing against your own child.

A lawyer knows what a judge needs to hear to recognize that grandparent visitation or custody is in the best interests of the child. They can help you gather all the necessary evidence and zealously advocate for you and your grandchildren.

Why Choose Gregory Law PLLC?

Firm founder Myrna Gregory has spent the last 30 years arguing on behalf of clients trying to make sure their children or grandchildren are safe, well provided for, and engaged in strong relationships with their loved ones. Her compassion for her clients and her dedication to her cases has set the standard for the whole firm.

We believe in making sure the children of Houston families are placed in the best circumstances that will allow them to grow up happy, safe, and nurtured. We have experience using every aspect of Texas law to provide our clients with the strongest arguments to put the children they care about in ideal situations.

We will work closely with you to build a case that takes all evidence and concerns into account. With our help, you will give yourself the best chance of gaining grandparents’ rights and providing your grandchildren with a safe and secure life.

Reasons to Pursue a Grandparents’ Rights Case

Gaining grandparent rights is extraordinarily difficult, and requires you to prove that visitation or custody is in your grandchild’s best interest. This will likely require you to prove that their parent is unfit to raise them, which can be shown through:

• Evidence of abuse: If there is reasonable evidence to suspect your grandchild is suffering from any kind of abuse, we can argue that they would be safer in their grandparents’ care.
• Evidence of neglect: We can also pursue an argument that one or both parents have demonstrated serious neglect that puts the child at risk and does not provide a nurturing environment for the child.
• Unsafe living conditions: If the child is living in a home in which drugs are used, there isn’t enough food, or there are other serious risks, we can argue that they would be safer and would receive better care with their grandparents.
• The emotional welfare of the child: We can argue that the child’s emotional welfare will be improved by making sure the child is in contact and has regular visitation with their grandparents.
• Parent lacks the ability to meet the child’s needs: Whether it is because of difficulties providing financial support, drug use, or other circumstances, we can attempt to prove that the child’s parent is unable to provide for the child’s needs, especially compared to how the grandparents could.
• Wishes of the child: If the child is old enough, the court will consider (but not necessarily rule for) the wishes they express. If they wish to have a relationship with their grandparents or to live with them, it can be a significant factor in your case.
• Length and significance of the grandparent relationship: If you have developed a deep and long-standing relationship with your grandchild, the court may find it is emotionally damaging to cut off that relationship without strong justification.

We can use any of the above reasons to argue for you to have several different kinds of legally established relationships with your grandchild, including:

• Custody: In extreme circumstances, if a parent is unable to provide for the safety and comfort of their child, the court may provide custody to grandparents or other family members. This can include the right for the child to live with the grandparents and for the grandparents to make all important legal decisions for the child.
• Visitation: The court can enforce a grandparents’ right to see their grandchildren by instituting visitation rights. A visitation agreement will specify when and how long a grandparent may see their grandchild throughout the year.
• Guardianship: Grandparents may be called upon to take guardianship of a child either for a temporary period or permanently. They will then be entitled to making all important legal decisions for the child.
• Adoption: In the event a child’s parents are deceased or have their parental rights terminated, grandparents can potentially adopt their grandchildren.

As you can see, the court allows for a great deal of flexibility in determining your relationship to your grandchild, but you will first need our help to convince the court such a legal change is in the child’s best interest.

Contact Us to Begin Your Grandparents’ Rights Case Right Away

If you or someone you care about needs to pursue a case for their grandparent rights in the Houston area, contact Gregory Law PLLC at (713) 861-1293. Our child custody and support attorneys can help you fight for the welfare of your grandchild and your relationship.