diff --git a/openpype/hosts/max/api/plugin.py b/openpype/hosts/max/api/plugin.py
index c16d9e61ec..c7b9b64d29 100644
--- a/openpype/hosts/max/api/plugin.py
+++ b/openpype/hosts/max/api/plugin.py
@@ -101,7 +101,12 @@ class MaxCreator(Creator, MaxCreatorBase):
             instance_node = rt.getNodeByName(
                 instance.data.get("instance_node"))
             if instance_node:
-                rt.delete(rt.getNodeByName(instance_node))
+                rt.select(instance_node)
+                unparent_cmd = f"""
+                for o in selection do for c in o.children do c.parent = undefined
+                """
+                rt.execute(unparent_cmd)
+                rt.delete(instance_node)
 
             self._remove_instance_from_context(instance)