Can grandparents pursue visitation rights?

On Behalf of | Jun 23, 2017 | Family Law |

From spousal support to property division, there are a wide variety of family law issues that arise. Sometimes, these matters are especially emotional, especially when they involve children. In Naples, and all over the whole state of Florida, some people wish to spend time with a child but are not sure if they will be able to have visitation rights. Often, parents find themselves in this position, but some grandparents may wish to petition for visitation rights as well.

According to the Florida Legislature, the grandparents of children who are minors are able to obtain visitation rights, under certain circumstances. For example, if the parents of a grandchild are missing, have been convicted of a violent offense which shows that they pose a threat to the child, or are no longer living, grandparents may be awarded visitation.

When making decisions related to grandparent visitation, courts will look at various factors, including the best interests of a child. For example, the court will take into consideration a grandparent’s relationship with his or her grandchild, whether or not the child would be affected by a visitation dispute, and many other factors.

Ultimately, it is vital for grandparents who wish to secure visitation rights to spend time with their grandchildren to fully understand how these cases are handled. By preparing for court and having a clear understanding of any potential hurdles, grandparents may be able to put themselves in a more favorable position. Ultimately, it is essential to focus on a child’s best interests throughout this process.

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