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Grandparents and Other Third Parties
(Suit Affecting the Parent Child Relationship)

SIBLINGS

Sibling access is governed by Texas Family Code sections 102.0045, 153.551, and 153.552. Section 102.0045 states: The sibling of a child may file an original suit requesting access to the child as provided by Section 153.551 if the sibling is at least 18 years of age. Access to a child by the sibling child is governed by the standards established by Subchapter J, Chapter 153.

Section 153.551 tells us that the sibling of a child who is separated from the child because of an action taken by the Department of Family and Protective Services may request access to the child by filing either an original suit or a suit for modification as provided by Chapter 156.

The sibling of a child may request access to the child in a suit filed for the sole purpose of requesting the relief, without regard to whether the appointment of a managing conservator is an issue in the suit. Section 153.552 mandates the court shall order reasonable access to a child by the child's sibling if the court finds that access is in the best interest of the child.