Grandparents can be a source of love, a familial bond, and stability for a child. This connection is important, but often with family legal matters, grandparents — and other extended family members — may lose connection with the child. Typically it up to the parent unless other circumstances exist. Here’s what you need to know about obtaining visitation rights in Florida. 

When Can a Grandparent Get Visitation Rights? 

While some states provide grandparents an ability to request visitation rights, Florida has historically made such a request very difficult.  In divorce cases, grandparents have no visitation rights, unless such visitation is agreed to by both parents. In short, grandparents are permitted to request visitation with their grandchildren in only very limited circumstances:

1. If one or both parents are deceased, missing, vegetative state, or violent criminal, you may seek visitation from the court;
2. If your grandchild is deemed dependent and removed from the parent(s) physical custody, you may seek visitation from the court; or
3. If both parents have abused, abandoned, or neglected your grandchild, you can seek to terminate the parental rights and adopt your grandchild.

Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney Now 

If you’re a grandparent or an extended family member and wish to obtain the right to have visitation with a child to whom you are related, it’s important to reach out for the help of an experienced family lawyer. Call Kevyn Noonan Hayes, P.A. for a consultation to discuss your legal options at 231-591-6248.