Does a grandparent have the right to object to the adoption of their grandchild?

In Texas, grandparents’ rights are legally recognized. This means that grandparents in Texas have the right to visitation and may even have limited rights to custody. Grandparents may also be entitled to certain rights to object to the adoption of their grandchild under certain circumstances. The Texas Family Code states that grandparents may intervene in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship (SAPCR) if they are placed in the role of the parent in a step-parent adoption and can make a showing of a “significant existing relationship” with the child. If the grandparent successfully intervenes, the court may either grant the grandparent full rights or limit the grandparent’s rights to visitation only. In addition, a grandparent may object to the termination of a child’s parent-child relationship if they can establish that the termination of the rights would significantly impair their ability to maintain a “meaningful relationship” with the grandchild. The grandparent’s objection must be made in writing and must be filed with the court prior to the adoption hearing. Overall, depending on the circumstances, a grandparent in Texas may have the right to object to the adoption of their grandchild. However, the grandparent must be able to make a showing of a “significant existing relationship” or establish that the termination of the rights would significantly impair their ability to maintain a meaningful relationship in order to do so. Therefore, it is important for grandparents to understand their rights under the law and consult with an attorney if they wish to assert them.

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