Getting Visitation Rights as a Grandparent

Visitation issues can often be tricky in divorce cases, especially if they involve grandparents. In most cases grandparents will automatically be given visitation rights when a divorce has been finalized. However, if you are a grandparent and have not been given visitation rights, you will need to file an application with the court. This must be done in the county where the child resides, not where you live.

Depending on what state the child lives in, you must prove to the court that visitation with the grandparents is in the best interests of the child. The court will consider such factors as the current relationship between the child and grandparent(s); the relationship between the child's parents and the grandparent; the time that has gone by since the child last had contact with the grandparent; good faith of the filing applicant; and whether there is any history of sexual abuse or neglect by the applicant towards the child.

If you need help getting the visitation rights that you believe you are entitled to, contact Ellerin Hutchinson to get help from a Jacksonville family lawyer.