Who Becomes the Guardian When the Parents are Deemed Unfit to Care for a Baby in Texas?
Unfortunately, not all parents are fit to provide care for children—especially for infants and toddlers. What happens when a parent is deemed unfit in Texas? Who will become the guardian of the child? The short answer is “it depends”—Texas is a “best interests of the child” state and guardianship is determined by courts based on the specific circumstances. Here, our Pearland family law attorneys explain the key things that you should know about who becomes the legal guardian when parents are deemed unfit to care for a baby in Texas.
What Makes a Parent Unfit in Texas?
The welfare of a child is paramount. When determining custody or parental rights, courts meticulously assess the competence and character of parents. They aim to ensure that children reside in safe, loving environments that nurture their growth and well-being. In certain circumstances, a parent may be deemed unfit to care for a child and could temporarily or permanently lose their parental rights. Some potential grounds upon which a parent could be deemed unfit in Texas include:
- Physical abuse;
- Sexual abuse;
- Emotional abuse;
- Domestic violence;
- Chronic substance abuse;
- Severe neglect of the child; and
- Failure to provide for the child’s basic necessities.
The Guardian Will Always Be Determined on a Case-By-Case Basis
In Texas, when parents are ruled unfit to care for their baby or toddler, the court intervenes to identify the best guardian for the child's well-being. There is no one specific person who will have first priority to become the child’s guardian. It is always a case-by-case assessment to determine who can best protect the child. Some potential guardians include:
- Grandparents;
- Aunts/uncles;
- Adult siblings;
- Close family friends; and
- Foster care.
There is a presumption in Texas that a close loved one—such as a grandparent or adult sibling—is better for a child than foster care.
The Best Interests of the Child is Always the Top Priority in Texas
It is important to emphasize that the child’s best interests always take the top priority in Texas. Under state law (Texas Estates Code § 153.002), all child-related cases—from custody disputes to unfit parent cases—will be resolved with consideration to what is best for the child's safety, emotional well-being, and overall development. A Texas family lawyer can help close relatives prove that they can provide the best environment for an infant or toddler in an unfit parent case.
Contact Our Pearland, TX Family Law Attorney Today
At John Powell III, P.C., our Texas family lawyer has the skills and experience to handle complex cases, including unfit parent cases. If you have any questions or concerns about who becomes a guardian if a parent is deemed unfit, we can help. Call us now or send us a message online to set up your completely confidential consultation. From our Pearland office, our firm provides family law representation in Brazoria County, Harris County, Fort Bend County, and beyond.