Today, the Texas Family Law Foundation voiced its opposition to HB 025571 which would further erode the rights of grandparents to seek visitation rights to grandchildren in certain limited instances. At Schreier & Housewirth, we endorse the Foundation’s stance on this needless legislation.
While there is little doubt that, in the majority of situations, a parent should have the unfettered right to make decisions as to whether a child will have continuing contact with grandparents and other extended family. However, there are instances, such as when a parent is deceased or incarcerated, where our courts should be given the authority to order visitation rights for grandparents. As Tarrant County divorce and child custody attorneys, we know firsthand the need children have to maintain contact with grandparents and other extended family following a marital breakup. When a parent acts in a spiteful manner to deny such relationships, we believe Texas courts should have the power to order periods of possession for grandparents. G.H.