Southlake Grandparents' Rights Lawyers 

Understanding Your Rights Regarding Grandchild Visitation & Custody in Southlake, TX

Grandparents play a significant role in a child’s life. In many cases, grandparents and grandchildren can develop strong, lifelong bonds. Unfortunately, grandparents are often prevented from seeing their grandchildren by one or both parents or through related circumstances.

In Texas, grandparents do have some rights in regards to visitation and custody. However, it is important to note that these rights are somewhat limited. The court will always rule in favor of the child’s best interests, and it will often prioritize the wishes of the parents unless there are extenuating circumstances.

When you meet with a grandparents rights attorney Southlake families trust, you can discuss how Texas Family Code provisions apply to your situation, including what a court may consider to be in a child’s best interests. We can walk you through how judges in local courts, such as those in Tarrant County and nearby Denton County, often review the history of your relationship with your grandchild, any past safety concerns, and the current family dynamics before deciding whether to allow visitation or conservatorship. This helps you understand not only what the law says, but also how it is likely to be applied in real cases.

When Can a Grandparent Be Granted Visitation in Tarrant County?

As previously mentioned, Texas family courts prioritize the wishes of the parents. In other words, it may be difficult to secure court-ordered visitation simply because your child or your child’s spouse does not want you to see your grandchild. However, you may be able to obtain visitation with your grandchild if specific circumstances exist and the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child.

The court may order grandparent visitation if it is in the best interests of the child and:

• The parents of the child are separated or divorced
• The child has been abused or neglected
• One or both parents are incarcerated
• One or both parents have been found incompetent
• One or both parents have died
• The parent’s relationship with the child has been terminated by the court
• The child has lived with the grandparent for six months or more

If the grandchild lives with the grandparent, the grandparent may request custody. Legal and physical custody allows you to make decisions about your grandchild’s living arrangement, medical treatment, education, and other relevant aspects of his or her upbringing. It may also be possible to secure child support from the parent(s).

If you are granted visitation with your grandchild, it is important to remember that you do not have an absolute right to visitation. In other words, the court may revoke visitation if it deems it no longer applicable. Furthermore, you may not request visitation if your grandchild has been adopted by anyone who is not a stepparent.

Many grandparents also want to know what to expect procedurally if they decide to move forward in Tarrant County family courts. In most situations, you will begin by filing a petition, after which the other parties are served and given an opportunity to respond. Your grandparents rights lawyer Southlake visitors meet with at our firm can explain how hearings, mediation, and potential temporary orders may unfold in courts serving Southlake, and how we prepare evidence and testimony to help the judge see the role you have played in your grandchild’s life. Understanding the steps ahead of time can make the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

Preparing To Work With a Grandparent Rights Lawyer

Before meeting with an attorney about grandparent visitation or custody, it helps to gather information that shows the depth of your relationship with your grandchild and any concerns you have about their current situation. We encourage Southlake grandparents to think through important dates, such as when the child lived with them or when contact was cut off, and to collect documents, photos, or messages that illustrate their ongoing involvement. Bringing notes about past court orders from Tarrant County or Denton County, school records, or medical information can also make your first consultation more productive and focused on next steps.

Helpful items to organize before your consultation include:

• Basic background information about your grandchild, the parents, and any prior court cases or orders involving the child
• Details about your role in the child’s life, such as caretaking responsibilities, time spent together, or periods when the child lived with you
• Written observations and concerns about the child’s safety, stability, or emotional well-being that you want to discuss with the attorney

Coming prepared in this way allows us to quickly identify which Texas laws may apply and whether the circumstances might support a request for visitation or conservatorship. It also gives us a clearer picture of how your case may be viewed in local courts that serve Southlake, so we can outline realistic options and potential timelines. With this foundation in place, we can use your initial meeting to answer questions, discuss strategy, and help you decide whether filing a case, seeking mediation, or pursuing another approach is the right step for you.

Secure Your Grandchild's Future: Contact Us

At Justice Law Firm, we understand that when someone has reached the point of seeking court-ordered grandparent rights, the situation at hand has typically become very volatile. Our Southlake grandparent rights attorneys can help you clearly understand your legal rights and options. We can serve as your compassionate guide and resolute advocate throughout the process. Our experienced team assists clients throughout the area, including Tarrant County, with all types of family law and related issues.

When you work with our team, we take time to learn about your family history, your involvement in your grandchild’s day-to-day life, and any concerns you have about their safety or well-being. We then explain how Texas law on grandparent visitation and conservatorship may apply, outline realistic options, and help you weigh the pros and cons of each choice before you decide how to proceed. Because many Southlake families also have ties to nearby communities such as Grapevine, Colleyville, and Keller, we are familiar with the local courts and procedures that can influence how your case moves forward. Our goal is to provide clear guidance so you can make informed decisions that protect your relationship with your grandchild.