Grandparent Custody/Visitation Rights

So much is written when it comes to parent’s rights to custody and visitation of children, but what about grandparent’s rights? With so many children being born out of wedlock, establishment of custody and visitation has become increasingly important not only for parents, but for grandparents as well.

While grandparents can file papers with the courts to gain custody of their grandchildren, custody is rarely granted while the parents of the children are still in the picture. Grandparent visitation rights vary from state to state, but almost all states prefer that children live with their parents and for that reason will limit grandparent custody claims to the following circumstances:

• The child’s parents are deceased.
• The child’s parents have been deemed unfit to retain custody.
• The child’s parents consent to grandparent custody.
• The child has lived with a grandparent or grandparents for a year or more.

All states have currently enacted some form of “grandparent visitation” statute, giving grandparents the right to obtain a court order to see and interact with their grandchildren. Visitation orders specify the date, time, and circumstances under which visitation must occur. These types of orders can be especially useful when divorce or separation may cause a parent to limit a grandparent’s contact with his or her grandchildren.

Ultimately, the decision for California child custody and visitation lies with the court. However, it is in the best interest of any grandparent seeking visitation or custody to tread lightly, act respectfully, and portray themselves in the best possible light to preserve their grandparents’ rights and their ability to visit their grandchild. For more information on grandparent’s rights, contact our skilled California family law attorneys today at 1-888-749-7428 for a consultation of your family law case.

Do you know your visitation rights as a grandparent? Why you need a family law attorney

In society today, it is more common to hear the Grandparents serving as not only Grandparents, but as referees as well. Grandparents have become the ultimate security blanket not only for their children but the grandchildren as well. It is difficult to hear the word “divorce,” but it can be heart-breaking to know how divorce may affect your visitation with your grandchildren.

Children bring joy to everyone’s life especially those of their grandparents. If your son or daughter is going through a divorce in California, keeping the children occupied with positive surroundings is the best solution. Parents go through sour times during a divorce that eventually can pass on to a child.

Divorce does affect those related, especially the grandparents. The divorcing parties become so occupied with scheduling and dividing the children, the grandparents are usually set aside and forgotten about. Ultimately, parents make decisions concerning their child’s custody, which includes the freedom to decide when and with whom minor children can spend their time, and applies to time spent with the grandparents. If you are a grandparent serving as the peace maker between both parties, this can only favor you.

If you are a grandparent who would like to know your grandparent custody and visitation rights for your grandchildren, Wallin and Klarich offers experienced attorneys in family law that can help you. We offer over 30 years of experience and great attorneys to help you deal with family law matters. You can reach our office 24-hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-280-6839, or visit us online at www.wklaw.com.