Orange County Grandparents’ Rights Attorney
Few opportunities in a person’s life can prove to be as impactful and important as becoming a grandparent. Not only do you have the opportunity to invest in your grandchildren’s lives, but you also offer your children the support they need as they navigate being parents themselves.
Sometimes, though, whether it is due to personal choices or extenuating factors, your grandchildren may need you to offer additional help. If so, hiring an Orange County grandparents’ rights lawyer can help you sort out the healthiest way you can support your beloved family.
Orange County Practice Areas
Contact Dorie A. Rogers
When you first step into our offices, we will walk you through the entire process, so you will know what to expect. Taking the time to understand your family dynamics and goals, we will help you develop a strategy at our first meeting. From that point forward, we will continue to pursue your rights in accordance with our strategy whether it is with hearings or negotiations until the time of trial or conclusion by settlement.
With our strategic planning we will be prepared from the onset to accomplish our goals regardless of the challenges we encounter. Gathering all of your financial information we will collect a complete picture as we determine if outside experts should be brought in to strengthen your case. We work with a network of forensic accountants, psychologists, and investigators in order to best assist our clients in furthering their goals. We can also refer you to counselors as needed.
An Overview of Custody and Grandparents’ Rights in California
Becoming a grandparent can be an incredibly exciting opportunity, but it can easily start to feel overwhelming when you feel the need to take on some of the parenting role. While this is not everyone’s experience, there are plenty of families that have successfully transferred custody from a parent to a grandparent when the need arose. Before you contact an Orange County grandparents’ rights lawyer, you may benefit from learning more about your rights overall.
A large portion of California has a higher-than-average number of grandparents living with their grandchildren, and it has been estimated that roughly 2.7 million grandparents are actively raising a grandchild. It is, therefore, incredibly crucial that grandparents are not only aware of their custodial rights but are also equipped to pursue said rights.
In Orange County, California, grandparents can seek court-ordered visitation or, in some cases, custody/guardianship if the child’s parents are unable to care for the child. This enables them to take on a more hands-on approach to being a grandparent that can allow them to support not only their grandchild, but their child as well.
The Key Aspects of When a Grandparent Can Seek Visitation or Custody in California
It is legal in the Golden State for grandparents to petition the court for visitation in specific situations, such as the following examples:
- The child’s parents are not married to each other.
- The parents are living separately or are in the process of getting divorced, specifically when it involves a child custody dispute.
- One or both of the child’s parents are deceased.
- A parent has been absent for an extended period.
- A parent is unable to provide a safe and stable home for the child because of abuse, neglect, or a severe struggle with substance abuse.
- A parent’s whereabouts are unknown for a significant period of time.
The Most Important Factor
The California court system, like any good parent, will always prioritize the well-being of a child above all else. If you have a pre-established bond between you and your grandchild, the court may be more inclined to grant you visitation rights or even custodial rights should the need arise. Still, if the court determines that the welfare of the child does not depend on the involvement of the grandparents, it may be difficult to get the access you want.
Why Should I Hire a Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer in Orange County, California?
When you hire a grandparents’ rights lawyer, they can help you both inside and outside of the courtroom. Should your case require the additional help of the California family court system, your grandparents’ rights claim will most likely be handled at the Lamoreaux Justice Center, where your lawyer can help you present your case and pursue your desired outcomes.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer in California?
A: In the state of California, the cost of hiring a grandparents’ rights lawyer tends to vary based on several key—but often unique—factors, such as the level of complexity your case presents, the amount of time it requires to reach a final agreement, and/or who you choose to represent you and your case. At Dorie A. Rogers, APC, we work hard to help you accomplish your desired outcomes, making every expenditure feel worthwhile.
Q: Can a Parent Legally Withhold Contact With Their Child From a Grandparent in California?
A: As disheartening as it may make some people feel, yes, it is perfectly legal for a parent to keep their child from being able to interact with a grandparent. While it is illegal for parents to withhold their children from one another, unless permitted by the court, grandparents are not entitled to the same visitation guarantees as parents. Still, you can hire a grandparents’ rights lawyer to help you present your case, especially if you are concerned about your grandchild’s welfare.
Q: How Does the Court Determine Whether or Not a Grandparent Can Have Custodial and/or Visitation Rights in California?
A: To get visitation, grandparents must show a preexisting bond with the child and prove that the visitation is in the child’s best interest, outweighing the parents’ fundamental right to raise their child. Courts will consider circumstances like a divorce, separation, the death of a parent, or a parent’s inability to provide a stable home due to factors like drug abuse or lack of parental fitness.
Q: How Long Will My Grandparents’ Visitation Rights Case Take to Resolve in California?
A: Every grandparent’s rights case tends to follow its own unique formula, which can influence factors like cost and the amount of time your case requires to resolve. This is common in California, as outside variables, such as the schedule of your local courthouse and the availability of every party involved, can influence your case’s overall timeline. To avoid unwanted and unnecessary setbacks, you may want to hire a lawyer, as they can help you avoid missteps and confusion overall.
Get More Information Today
While the rights of grandparents may differ slightly from those of parents, you will always have the right to pursue legal changes in your ability to see and/or raise a grandchild. Doing so alone, however, can easily prove to be overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. Fortunately, with the help of an Orange County grandparents’ lawyer, you can cut through the confusion and pursue your desired outcomes.
Contact Dorie A. Rogers, APC, today to schedule a consultation.
“Dorie is a very powerful attorney and a great asset to have on your side in any family legal matter. She is extremely bright and insightful, and I got everything I asked for in my lawsuit.”
“I would strongly recommend Ms. Dorie Rogers for any legal needs. During my Divorce proceedings, Dorie’s professionalism, expertise in Divorce Law and legal skill helped bring my case to a close in both a timely and mutually agreeable manner.Additionally, Dorie took the time to understand me and my background to better represent me in my case. She showed a level of caring and concern that helped me through a very difficult time. She is an outstanding lawyer and wonderful person.”
“Second to none – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Dorie to anyone. She was my attorney for my divorce and custody case. She will do everything it takes to get the job done and all with a smile on her face. Her knowledge and expertise will assist anyone in a family law situation get the results they want.”
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