Grandparents and Child Custody

Grandparents can sometimes be just as important in the lives of children as their parents. Because of this, grandparents can seek court orders for visitation rights with their grandchildren. It is generally better for the grandparents to join with the parents in this endeavor in order to have a stronger family presence, but that is not entirely necessary.

If the grandparents of a child want visitation rights, they must prove that without their presence the child will come to harm. States generally see the parents of the child as having the right to custody over the child. However, in certain cases the grandparents can be granted custody or visitation rights. It is important to remember that the court will always try to act in the best interests of the child.

Where custody is concerned, the courts will generally side with at least one of the parents. However, if there is evidence of abandonment or chronic abuse, the court will give custody of the child to someone other than the parents. This is generally a blood relative such as the grandparents. Custody over the child may also be granted to a relative if both parents have died.

In every child custody case, the court will try to act in the best interests of the child. The child’s welfare is important above all else.

Speak with an Austin Family Lawyer

If you or someone you know is trying to obtain custody, contact the Austin child custody lawyers of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP at 512-472-2431.