Grandparent Rights
Child custody and visitation disputes typically involve a child's parents, but not always. These days, a lot of grandparents are heavily involved in the raising of a child. While parents are often the central figures in a child custody dispute, grandparents can also have their say. Grandparents can also have rights pertaining to visitation with (and sometimes custody of) their grandchildren. FindLaw's Grandparent Rights section includes information and tips on grandparents' rights in child custody and visitation cases, including summaries of state laws and procedures, as well as factors considered when courts make custody and visitation decisions involving grandparents.
- Factors Considered for Grandparent Visitation and Custody
The types of factors courts consider when deciding whether to grant visitation or custody rights to grandparents, which primarily are based on the best interests of the child.
- Grandparent Visitation Rights: Overview
Basics of grandparent visitation rights, a relatively new concept in family law, including an overview of state rights; summaries of Supreme Court rulings; and the typical manner in which decisions are made.
- Grandparents' Visitation and Custody: Background
Brief history of how laws and customs have changed over the years with respect to the visitation and custody rights of grandparents, including important court decisions.
- Requirements for Awarding Grandparent Visitation and Custody
Summary of the various requirements for awarding visitation or custody rights to grandparents, including differences in state laws; the effect of adoption on grandparent visitation; and related matters.
- State Laws: Grandparent Visitation and Custody
Synopses of state laws regarding grandparent visitation and custody rights, including relevant statutes; specific criteria for qualification; and other such factors considered by the court in such matters.
- Child Custody Basics
Concise introduction to child custody law, with information about physical and legal custody; joint and split custody; special considerations for unmarried parents; and other important factors to consider.
- Factors Considered for Grandparent Visitation and Custody
- Grandparent Visitation Rights
- Grandparents' Visitation and Child Custody Rights
- Grandparents' Visitation and Custody: Background
- Requirements for Awarding Grandparent Visitation and Custody
- Summaries of State Law: Grandparent Visitation and Custody