Grandparents' & Relatives' Rights in Texas
Protecting Family Bonds. Prioritizing Children’s Best Interests.
At Haugen Law Firm, P.C., we know that family doesn’t begin and end with parents alone. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives often play an essential role in a child’s life—especially when the child’s home environment becomes unstable due to divorce, neglect, substance abuse, or other hardships.
Whether you're seeking custody, visitation, or even adoption of a grandchild or relative, our experienced family law attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and take decisive legal action when a child's well-being is at stake.
Understanding Grandparents’ Rights in Texas
In Texas, grandparents do not have automatic custody or visitation rights. However, under specific circumstances, when grandparents have standing, they may petition the court for:
- Visitation rights (when access is unjustly denied)
- Temporary or permanent custody (managing conservatorship)
- Adoption of a grandchild, when it serves the child’s best interests, and parental rights have been terminated
Courts in Texas focus heavily on what is in the best interest of the child. This means demonstrating that your involvement provides a stable, nurturing environment and—when seeking custody or adoption—that the biological parents are unable or unfit to care for the child.
Our attorneys have handled numerous cases involving grandparent and relative custody, and we understand how emotionally complex and urgent these matters can be.
When Can Grandparents or Relatives Pursue Custody or Adoption?
You may have legal grounds to seek custody or adopt a grandchild or relative if:
- The child has been living with you for an extended period (at least 6 months in most cases)
- One or both parents are deceased, incarcerated, or missing
- The child’s environment is physically or emotionally harmful
- CPS has been involved and the child is removed from the home
- The parent has voluntarily relinquished parental rights
In such cases, relatives can file for Managing Conservatorship or begin the process of adoption, often following or alongside the termination of parental rights.
Legal Support for Stepparents, Aunts, Uncles, and Other Relatives
Beyond grandparents, Texas law permits other relatives to pursue conservatorship or adoption under specific conditions. Whether you’re a stepparent, older sibling, or extended family member, we can help determine whether you have legal standing—and guide you through the process with skill and compassion.
What Sets Haugen Law Apart
At Haugen Law, we understand both the legal landscape and the human side of these cases. Our team of attorneys brings:
- Deep experience in Texas family courts
- Child-centered legal strategies
- Strong negotiation and litigation skills
- A reputation for integrity and compassion
When you need someone who will fiercely advocate for a child’s safety while honoring family ties, we’re ready to step in.
Let’s Talk About Your Options
If you’re concerned about a child’s well-being or believe you may have a legal right to custody, visitation, or adoption, don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the more options you may have under Texas law.
Call Haugen Law Firm, P.C. at (972) 460-6798. Serving families across Lewisville, Denton, Flower Mound, Highland Village, and surrounding North Texas communities.
What Our Clients Are Saying
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"Shifted My Thinking From Tactical To Strategic"John was very knowledgeable on divorce. He helped me shift my thinking from tactical to strategic. John is a stand-up guy.
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"I cannot thank them enough for all their support and patience with me during the process with all of my questions and walking me through the long process."I researched and wanted a lawyer familiar with military families and the Haugen Law Firm was it! I had so many different factors in my divorce and child custody, and you truly get what you pay for. I am so thankful to have found them and for all the guidance and help through the process. I cannot recommend Connor and Delaney more! This is already a stressful situation and to be able to have a team to help me better understand the ins and outs of the legal tidbits and process helped. It was well worth the cost and even though it feels expensive I know without a doubt that my divorce and custody was done right, and the paperwork shows it. They helped me think of things a regular divorce lawyer wouldn't know due to being a military family. If I need legal help again, I will be coming back for sure! I cannot thank them enough for all their support and patience with me during the process with all of my questions and walking me through the long process.
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"Great team you can count on!"John and all the staff are knowledgeable, compassionate, and committed to obtaining the best results.- HMercado
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"John and Delaney put me at ease and took the stress out of my situation."Divorce is a very stressfull life event. John and Delaney put me at ease and took the stress out of my situation. I cannot stress enough how at ease they made me feel, knowing that everything was handled. They gave me the confidence that we could, and did, get what I needed and was asking for quickly without going to court. Thank you Haugen Law!!- Gary
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"Conner was exceptional with my situation and recommend him for anything that needs special attention."The Haugen Law Firm was very professional with handling my case. Conner was exceptional with my situation and recommend him for anything that needs special attention. Always available. I will be a life long client. Thank you Conner and the team at Haugen Law Firm.
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"Honest and Straight Forward"Mr. Haugen was very straight forward and looked at all the factors that could affect me case. He acted on the matter quickly and it was immediately addressed. I appreciate his honest and straight forward demeanor.