What Do Grandparents Rights Entail?

In the U.S., if a mother or father dies, her spouse can completely strip grandparents’ visitation rights. Being barred from one’s own family is a gross indignity no grandparents should have to suffer, especially if they fear for the child’s wellbeing.

Family dynamics, such as the rise and divorce and single parenting, have boomed in the last twenty years. As of the year 2000, many states have passed legislation that allow grandparents to request visitation in a court of law. If you have been denied visitation by the child’s parents, Tennessee law allows you due process when:

• Either the mother or father is deceased

• The child’s father and mother are divorced or legally separated

• The child’s father or mother has been missing for six or more moths

• The court of another state has already ordered grandparents’ visitation

• The child lived in the grandparent’s home for 12 months or more, then was taken out of that environment by the parents

• The grandparents carried on a significant relationship with their grandchildren for twelve or more months—this can be the most tenuous scenario to prove in a court of law. It’s especially vital to develop a strong argument with superb legal representation.

Though these rights are often referred to as “grandparents rights”, they’re also used for any third party who’s had a big role in a child’ life—aunts, godparents, family friends, etc. In more serious cases, grandparents rights can entail child custody. Call us for details!

Martin Sir & Associates Can Help You Reclaim Your Grandparents’ Rights

Martin Sir has been taking family law cases head-on for over 25 years. A parent of two, he understands firsthand the importance of a stable environment for children–perhaps the most important factor in a child’s upbringing. If your grandchild has experienced the trauma of losing youas an important figure, we can help build a solid case for your grandparents rights.

The Law Office of Martin Sir would be happy to offer a free consultationabout your personal grandparents’ rights. He also helps grandparents in challenging child custody cases. Call him today at 616-256-5661 or email at john.agee@martinsirlaw.com