Are grandparents entitled to visitation rights?

In Washington, grandparents can be entitled to visitation rights. According to the state’s Uniform Parentage Act (RCW 26.26A), grandparents have the legal right to ask for visitation of their grandchildren, regardless of their relationship with their own children. This is only the case if one of the following is true: both of the child’s parents have been denied their parental rights, the child has been adopted by someone other than a stepparent, or either of the parents has died. In such instances, grandparents can go to court and make a petition for visitation rights. The court will consider factors such as the child’s preferences, the quality of the relationship between the grandparents and the child and the parents’ wishes. If the court approves the petition and grants visitation rights, it will also decide the frequency and duration of the visits. It is important to remember that grandparents do not have an absolute right to visitation of their grandchildren. The court will decide whether the visitation is in the best interest of the child and the parents may challenge the decision if they feel it is not. Ultimately, it is the court that will decide whether or not a grandparent has the right to visit their grandchild.

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Are grandparents entitled to visitation rights?

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