Does Grandparents have rights in the state of Virginia?Please from someone who really knows!?

Question

Does Grandparents have rights in the state of Virginia?Please from someone who really knows!?

Answer 1

I believe that Michigan or Wisconsin have laws protecting the relationship of grandparents to grandchildren.  In no other state do such laws exist.

However, if the child is not safe in the parents' house, the grandparents, with enough money and time and with a very good attorney, may be able to persuade a court that the child's best interests are served by placing the child in the grandparents' custody.

Answer 2

If the child is in the custody of his/her parent or guardian, and the matter is not before the juvenile and domestic relations court, the parent/guardian will most likely prevail if they do not want the grandparent to have contact with the child. However, in certain circumstances, the law does provide for visitation by grandparents:

Section 16.1-241 of the Code of Virginia (1950), as amended, provides:

The authority of the juvenile court to adjudicate matters involving the custody, visitation, support, control or disposition of a child shall not be limited to the consideration of petitions filed by a mother, father or legal guardian but shall include petitions filed at any time by any party with a legitimate interest therein. A party with a legitimate interest shall be broadly construed and shall include, but not be limited to, grandparents,,,

Grandparents may also have visitation rights for children in foster care, provided they can establish an ongoing relationship with the child prior to his being placed in foster care and that it is in the best interests of the child that the relationship continue.

Answer 3

More details would help us answer your q........but call a lawyer & ask the first phone call is always FREE...  

Answer 4

Grandparents do not have rights in majority of the 50 states.