Grandparents play a significant role in the lives of their grandchildren. However, when parents separate or face other challenging circumstances, grandparents may wonder about their rights to custody and visitation.
Schedule a consultation with us to learn exactly what your rights are and what can be done to protect your relationship with your grandchild
Grandparent Custody and Visitation Legal Background
Under California law, grandparents have the right to seek custody or visitation with their grandchildren under certain circumstances. These rights are governed by the California Family Code, specifically sections 3100-3105.
Custody Rights
Grandparents can pursue custody of their grandchildren if it is determined to be in the best interest of the child. To establish custody, grandparents must demonstrate that:
- The child’s parents are unable or unwilling to care for the child adequately.
- Granting custody to the grandparents is in the child’s best interest.
- There is a pre-existing relationship between the grandparent and the grandchild that has engendered a bond.
The court will evaluate various factors, including the child’s health, safety, and well-being, before making a custody determination.
Visitation Rights:
Grandparents in California can also seek court-ordered visitation rights if they can demonstrate that such visitation would be in the child’s best interest. Grandparents must establish that:
- There was a pre-existing relationship between the grandparent and the grandchild that has engendered a bond.
- The visitation would be in the child’s best interest.
- The child’s parents have unreasonably denied the grandparent visitation.
The court will consider the grandchild’s overall well-being and the potential impact of visitation on the child before making a visitation determination.
While grandparents in California have the right to seek custody or visitation with their grandchildren, the court’s primary consideration is always the best interest of the child. Establishing a pre-existing bond and demonstrating that custody or visitation would be in the child’s best interest are crucial factors in determining grandparents’ rights. Seeking legal guidance is essential to navigate the legal landscape and protect the well-being of both grandparents and grandchildren.
At the Law Office of Benjamin Kanani APOc we can assist you with navigating the complexities of grandparents’ custody and visitation rights in California. As a knowledgeable family law firm specializing in custody matters we can provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances and guide you through the legal process.
FAQ’s
Q: What legal rights do grandparents have in California?
A: In California, grandparents have the right to request visitation with their grandchildren under certain circumstances.
Q: Are grandparents’ rights guaranteed in California?
A: No, grandparents’ rights are not guaranteed in California. The court will always prioritize the best interests of the child and consider various factors before granting visitation or custody rights to grandparents.
Q: Can grandparents request custody of their grandchildren in California?
A: In certain circumstances, grandparents can request custody of their grandchildren in California. However, the court will only grant custody to grandparents if it is in the best interests of the child and if it can be shown that the child’s parents are unfit or unable to provide proper care.
Are looking to establish your visitation rights as a grandparent?
Our attorneys at the Law Office of Benjamin Kanani are experienced in advocating for grandparents seeking custody and visitation with their grandchild(ren) and work diligently to ensure the best possible outcome for our clients while prioritizing the best interests of their grandchild(ren). Contact our office today for a free consultation!
(310) 593-9592