Since she was three, you’ve spent memorable times baking cookies with your stepdaughter, sharing the anxiety and excitement of school sports, and talking about boys. You are just as much a parent to her as your soon-to-be ex-spouse. You’ve poured love and care into her for as long as she can remember.
Now that you and your stepdaughter’s biological parent are divorcing, you are worried that you will no longer be able to spend regular time with her. You find yourself wondering, “Can non-biological parents be granted parenting time?”
Parenting Rights for Non-Biological Parents in Texas
In Texas, non-biological parents still have options to seek visitation rights. Understanding Texas laws concerning non-biological parental visitation is crucial to maintaining cherished relationships with non-biological children.
Check out some examples of non-biological parents below and how Texas courts generally deal with them:
Adoptive Parents
Assuming the adoption process was completed legally and for the benefit of the child, adoptive parents hold the full legal rights and responsibilities equivalent to those of a biological parent. This includes protection against any interference from the child’s biological parent to disrupt your access.
Stepparents
A stepparent may request visitation, especially if they have a significant role in the child’s life. The court’s primary concern is how involved the stepparent has been in the child’s life and whether maintaining the relationship is in the child’s best interest.
Grandparents
Grandparents can petition for visitation rights if they can show that being part of the child’s life benefits the child’s well-being, especially if the child’s physical and emotional health is in danger without this relationship.
Other Significant Non-Biological Relationships
Individuals who have acted in a parental role, such as long-term guardians or close family friends, may also be considered. The primary concern for these relationships is whether or not they involve a long-standing bond where the non-biological caretaker has taken on specific nurturing responsibilities.
To present your case for legal non-biological parenting time, the best course of action is to consult a caring and capable family law attorney experienced in Texas child custody litigation.
Please call Christman | Daniell Attorneys for Your Legal Needs Today!
Looking for family law services? Christman | Daniell Attorneys is your premier choice. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the legal landscape in cities throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth area, our skilled team is dedicated to helping families navigate complex legal matters. Whether divorce, child custody, or adoption, trust Christman | Daniell Attorneys to provide compassionate and effective representation for all your family law needs.
Please consult an attorney for advice about your situation. The material on this website and in this or any blog article we publish are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. The attorneys at Christman | Daniell Attorneys believe in tailoring legal advice and solutions to your circumstances.
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