If you fear that contact with your grandchildren is being jeopardized, it should help to know that the court system has become increasingly more aware of the vital role that you play in your grandchild's life. Particularly for children caught in unfortunate family home situations caused by one or both parents, the love, support and security that a grandparent can provide can increase their well-being. If need be, visitation rights for a grandparent may be ordered by the family courts, so read on to learn more.
What situations could prompt the need for a grandparent to seek visitation?
Nearly every grandparent desires that their grandchild live in a healthy, stable two-parent household, and under normal conditions, that living situation is unlikely to be subject to the possibility of a grand-parental visitation order. Only in circumstances where the child is being subjected to certain negative behaviors or home environment are these requests considered. Family courts place a great deal of emphasis on the best interests of the child, so grandparents would need to prove that the child is in some sort of peril for the court to consider ordering visitation. Some of the following situations may prompt the court to hear the grandparent's request:
How does the judge determine visitation privileges?
As stated above, the best interest of the child is at the heart of these determinations, so make sure that your efforts to spend more time with your grandchild places an emphasis on enhancing and improving your grandchild's life instead of your own self-interests. Family court judges often take a look at:
For more information, contact Koth & Gregory PC Law Firm or a similar organization.
Share