Troxel v. Granville (2000)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
A Washington law allowed any third party to petition for child visitation rights at any time, and courts could grant visitation if it was in the child’s best interest. The mother, Granville, objected to broad visitation for her child’s grandparents. The Supreme Court struck down the law as applied, holding that the 14th Amendment’s Due Process Clause protects the fundamental right of parents to direct the upbringing of their children.

3) Why It Mattered
Troxel reaffirmed that parental rights are fundamental and cannot be overridden by courts simply substituting their judgment for a parent’s.

4) What It Provided or Took Away

• Provided: Strong constitutional protection for parents’ decision-making authority.
• Took Away: Broad state power to impose visitation against a fit parent’s wishes.

5) Overreach or Proper Role?
The Court acted properly in protecting parental autonomy. Critics argue it left uncertainty about the scope of grandparent visitation rights.

6) Plain-English Impact Today
Courts can’t override fit parents’ decisions about visitation unless there are compelling reasons. Parents’ choices about their kids carry constitutional weight.

• Parental Rights
• Family Law
• Substantive Due Process