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The Daily Insight

Do grandparents have rights in the state of Texas?

Author

Mia Ramsey

Published Apr 01, 2026

Texas, like all other states, has established laws regarding grandparents’ visitation rights. In Texas, the laws pertaining to grandparents’ rights apply to child custody and visitation privileges.

What states do not recognize grandparents rights?

Currently, in three states, Hawaii, Washington, and Florida, the state courts have struck down the states’ grandparent visitation statutes as unconstitutional and the states’ legislatures have failed to enact new grandparent visitation statutes.

Can a child choose to live with a grandparent in Texas?

Seeking custody If the parents do not consent to the power of attorney, grandparents have the right to seek managing conservatorship by filing a lawsuit and going to court. Under this arrangement, the child would live with his or her grandparents.

How do I protect my kids from grandparents?

If a court order has been granted, a parent will need to file a petition with the family court to modify or revoke a grandparent visitation order to stop the visitation. This matter can be more complicated if separated parents have differing views regarding whether the other grandparents should be allowed visitation.

What age can a child say who they want to live with in Texas?

12 or older
Although children cannot officially decide which parent they want to live with until they are 18 years old, Texas law does allow children that are 12 or older to have a say in where they’d like to live, but ultimately a judge will make the final decision.

Texas does provide a legal right for grandparents to see their grandchildren in certain situations, says Roberson, but most of the time, it involves a previously established relationship with a child or a particular circumstance with the parent, for example, if they are incarcerated or deceased.

Do grandparents have rights in the state of Washington?

Washington law recognizes a grandparent’s right to maintain a relationship with a grandchild. However, a grandparent can’t petition for visitation rights unless the child’s parents are divorced, separated, are in the process of divorce, or some other breakdown of the nuclear family unit has occurred.

Can a parent deny a grandparent visitation Washington State?

A court can only order Washington grandparent visitation over the objection of a fit parent if the grandparent shows that denying visitation would be harmful to the child.