Marietta Grandparents' Rights Attorney

Do Grandparents Have a Legal Right to Visitation in Georgia?

While divorces are careful in outlining relationships between parents and children, there is less concern for the grandparents' relationship with the children. It is not uncommon for a grandparent to feel neglected or cut out of a child's life. If a parent is preventing a grandparent from having contact with the child, legal action may be taken in court to rectify the situation.

According to Georgia state laws, grandparents who are shown to act in the best interests of the child may be involved in raising children after the parents have dissolved their marriage or separated. While this can create opportunities for grandparents to be involved in their grandchildren's lives, it does not guarantee that they will have these rights. When it comes to pursuing an effective course of legal action, our Marietta divorce lawyers may be able to help you.

Fight to Be Involved in Your Grandchild’s Life

At Henrickson & Sereebutra, we understand how difficult that family law issues can be for you and your loved ones. Our Marietta divorce attorneys have more than a decade of experience in divorce and family law. When it comes to the best interests of the children in your family, trust a firm whose caring, personalized approach can address the unique circumstances of your situation. Our legal team is prepared to help you protect your rights and your best interests, whether inside or outside of court.

We are here to help. Contact our firm today and discuss your situation with us!

The Factors Affecting Visitation & Custody Rights

For one reason or another, a parent may not be open to a grandparent having a relationship with their child. However, grandparents may always petition a court to award shared rights and responsibilities of raising a child. Similarly, grandparents may petition a court to protect their rights and responsibilities if a parent is violating an agreement or attempting to block the relationship.

Grandparents may seek shared rights for the following:

• Child custody
• Visitation

Courts look at the existing relationship that the grandparents have with a child before making any major decisions about custody or visitation. They will also consider the child's best interests as the highest priority. While every family situation is unique, there are many elements that the law takes into account when determining the child's best interest and awarding rights to grandparents.

The court may make a decision based on answers to the following:

• Will the child's physical and emotional needs be met?
• Is the parent or grandparent capable of meeting the child's needs?
• Is something keeping them from accomplishing their roles as guardian?
• What are the desires and wishes of the child, parents, and grandparents?
• How solid is the relationship foundation between the grandparents and grandchild?
• How long has the grandparent actively been a part of the child's life?
• Is there any evidence of alcohol or other substance abuse with the parents/grandparents?
• Is there any evidence of physical or emotional abuse with the parents/grandparents?
• Do the grandparents live far away from the child's school, church, etc.?
• How debilitative would it be to move the child to a new community?

Get Involved in Your Grandchild's Life—Call 888-896-1973

From filling out the proper forms and participating in court hearings, your success may depend on how well-prepared you are to demonstrate the reasons you should be involved in the child's life. At Henrickson & Sereebutra, our divorce lawyers in Marietta understand how important it is for families to maintain safe and healthy environments for children. Trust a firm that has the knowledge and skill to help you present effective evidence and testimony in your case.

Schedule a free case consultation and secure our exceptional legal guidance!