Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

What if a grandparent threatens custody?

I have been having trouble in my marriage and my mother in law came over and is threatening to take custody of my three children should I leave my husband. Can she do that? I'm not an unfit mother by anymeans..and my oldest is her step-granddaughter..is there any way she could take them away from me?


Asked on 11/07/06, 3:20 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: What if a grandparent threatens custody?

Sounds like your mother is totally uninformed. You should always take these threats with a grain of salt. Although these things can happen, it is usually because the mother has done something really dumb in her personal life. 99 times out of a 100 custody will be with the mother unless there is some really good reason not to.

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Answered on 11/07/06, 4:43 pm
Fran Brochstein Attorney & Mediator

Re: What if a grandparent threatens custody?

I agree with James Grissom's answer.

FYI: Grandparent rights are limited if their child is alive and NOT in jail.

Also, the burden would be on any grandparent to prove the parent(s) UNFIT. A tough burden to overcome.

It's not impossible but it is not easy. Also, most grandmother's threaten their daughter-in-laws all the time! It won't be anything new.

Don't be surprised if CPS shows up at your door with an anonymous call about you being an unfit parent.

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Answered on 11/07/06, 9:42 pm


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