What are a Grandparent’s Rights?
Grandparents’ rights encompass the rights of grandparents to visit with their grandchildren. If, as a grandparent, you have been denied the right to visit with your grandchild, you may be able to submit an application for court-ordered visitation rights.
If you are applying for visitation rights with your grandchild, it is your responsibility to provide evidence in support of the request for visitation. Working with a grandparent’s rights lawyer means you’ll have the legal counsel you need as you discuss a range of possible outcomes, be it through settlement or trial. You’ll also have legal representation as you go through the process of applying for visitation rights.
How are Grandparent’s Rights Determined?
In New Jersey, in applying for visitation rights, the grandparents must prove that the grandchild will be harmed if the requested visitation is denied.
Once that harm is proven, the grandparents will have to show that visitation is in the grandchild’s best interests. Certain factors will be used in determining what is in the grandchild’s best interests, including:
- The relationship between the grandparents and the grandchild
- The relationship between the child’s parents and the grandparents
- The effect of court-ordered visitation on the relationship between the child and the child’s parents
- The custody agreement between the child’s parents if they are divorced or separated
- The good faith in the grandparent filing for an application
Any additional factors that affect the child’s best interests can be considered as proof in court. An attorney should guide grandparents through the process, as it can sometimes be difficult to overcome the burden of having to show harm to the grandchild, but an experienced lawyer can help.
Grandparent’s Rights Lawyer at Rigden Lieberman
At Rigden, Lieberman & Mignogna, P.A., our lawyers are experienced in matters of family law, including grandparents’ rights. Alexandra Rigden Ronald Lieberman, and Melissa Mignogna are certified by the New Jersey Supreme Court as matrimonial law attorneys and have years of practice proudly serving South Jersey.
When you work with one of our lawyers, you will be given a fair and honest assessment of your situation as well as the necessary next steps. Our lawyers are determined to work towards the best outcome for you and will support you throughout the process.
