Grandparents have a legal right to visit their grandchildren

What makes a grandparent-grandchild relationship so special? Well, grandparents can see in their grandchildren the perpetuation of their family. And grandparents get the benefits of being able to have fun with a child that is their kin, without taking on the full responsibility of the child’s care. And the grandchild gets to spend time with someone who loves them in a way that no other person can. A grandparent can make a grandchild feel extremely special.

But some circumstances can arise that may threaten the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. For instance, sometimes a child’s parents divorce and the custodial parent decides to deny the grandparent the opportunity to be with his or her grandchild.

So, if you are a grandparent who is being denied access to your grandchild what can you do to correct the situation? Well, in California, the law provides grandparents with a measure of visitation rights. Typically, to have these rights upheld by the court, you will need to demonstrate that you and your grandchild have developed a bond that it is in the best interests of the grandchild that the bond is maintained.

Typically, however, if the child’s parents are still married, you will not be able to file for visitation rights. But there can be exceptions to this rule, such as if a stepparent has adopted the child or if the parents are not living together.

In a fair world, you would not have to fight for your visitation rights to see your grandchild. But sometimes the only way to do what is best for you and your grandchild is to assert yourself and take a stand. And a California family law attorney could be of service by going over your case and helping you reestablish the bond that you and your grandchild cherish so much.