Divorce affects more than just the couple separating. It impacts the entire family dynamic. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives often wonder where they fit into the picture and how they can continue to play a meaningful role in the child’s life. While divorce brings changes, extended family members can still provide emotional and practical support if handled the right way.
In the video, Atty. Tina Campbell of Turner-Monahan PLLC discusses how extended family can support children during divorce, addressing common concerns about maintaining relationships, setting boundaries, and ensuring emotional stability. All case evaluations are based on Texas Family Law. This content is for educational purposes only.
The Role of Extended Family in Divorce
When going through a divorce, multiple stakeholders are involved. The mother, the father, the children, and extended family members. Many extended family members wonder if there’s anything they can do to support or stay involved. The answer is yes.
How Extended Family Can Help
If you were already an active part of the child’s life before the divorce, continue being there. For example, if you’re a grandparent who always took the kids to soccer practice, keep taking them. Divorce doesn’t mean your relationship with the children has to change.
Being Present Without Conflict
While staying involved, it’s important to handle interactions with sensitivity. If both parents show up at a soccer game or other events, extended family members need to be cordial and respectful. You don’t have to be best friends with the other parent, but there’s no need to make a scene or act uncomfortable because they’re there. The focus should always be on the children and their well-being.
Why Extended Family Matters More Than Ever
The extended family plays a crucial role in providing stability during a divorce. If you were always part of the child’s life, your presence becomes even more important now. Children need to feel that nothing has changed when it comes to their relationship with family beyond their parents.
Supporting Emotional Stability for Children
One of the biggest challenges children face during divorce is emotional distress. Extended family can offer a sense of security by providing a stable environment, familiar routines, and an open space for children to express their feelings. Simply being there, listening, and maintaining normal interactions can help children feel reassured that they are still surrounded by love and support.
Avoiding Unintentional Harm
While the intention may be to help, extended family members need to be mindful of their words and actions. Negative comments about either parent, even in private, can create emotional conflict for the child. It’s important to remain neutral, encourage a positive relationship with both parents and avoid making children feel like they have to take sides.
Setting Boundaries and Expectations
To ensure consistency, extended family members may need to sit down and discuss how things will be moving forward. It’s important to establish that no one should alienate the other parent or treat them as any less of a parent just because a divorce has happened. The goal should be to create a sense of normalcy for the children and help them feel supported by all the people who love them.
What Does the Texas Family Code Say?
Texas law recognizes the importance of extended family in a child’s life. While parental rights come first, certain statutes allow grandparents and other relatives to seek involvement under specific conditions.
Texas Family Code § 153.432 – Grandparent Visitation Rights
Grandparents may petition the court for visitation if it is in the child’s best interest and if at least one parent still has custody. However, they must demonstrate that denying visitation would harm the child’s physical or emotional well-being.
Texas Family Code § 153.433 – Circumstances for Grandparent Access
The court may grant access if the child’s parents are divorced, if a parent has been incarcerated, found incompetent, or has passed away, or if the child has been abused or neglected. This ensures that extended family can step in when necessary to provide stability and care.
Texas Family Code § 102.004 – Standing for Certain Relatives to File Suit
This statute allows certain family members, including grandparents and siblings, to seek custody or conservatorship if they can prove that the current living situation is harmful to the child. This law is designed to protect children from neglect or an unstable home environment.
Texas Family Code § 153.001 – Best Interest of the Child Standard
In any case, involving extended family, the court prioritizes the child’s best interests. This means that any request for visitation or custody must clearly show how it benefits the child emotionally, physically, and mentally.
To understand these statutes in detail and how they apply to your situation, consult with a family law attorney for personalized legal guidance.
Hire An Experienced Fort Worth, Texas, Divorce Attorney
Extended family members can play a crucial role in providing stability and support during a divorce, but it’s important to respect boundaries and approach the situation with care.
Understanding both the emotional aspects and legal considerations can help ensure a smoother transition for everyone involved. If you have concerns about your rights as an extended family member, consult with a family law attorney to understand your options. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with attorney Tyler Monahan to discuss the details.
Check our website for more information about our services. Plus, don’t forget to go through our blog to find out more regarding your case. There is tons of information on divorce and answers to unique questions like “How is Child Support Determined in Texas.”
FAQs Regarding Divorce
Divorce cases are unique, so you will have many questions. To save you time and hassle, here are some topics that revolve around the area. For more information, contact our firm, Turner-Monahan, PLLC.
- What Are Divorce Decree Modifications?
- Do I Need a Postnuptial Agreement?
- Can I Change My Child’s Last Name After Divorce?
- 18 Divorce Do’s and Don’ts
Disclaimer
The commentary and opinions are for informational and educational purposes only and not to provide legal advice. You should contact an attorney in your state for legal advice concerning any particular issue or problem. You can become a client and enter the attorney-client privilege only after hiring Turner-Monahan, PPLC, by signing a written retainer agreement.
