What is the difference between visitation rights and custody rights?

Visitation and custody rights are two very different legal rights that are provided to grandparents in Washington with regard to Grandparents Rights Law. Visitation rights refer to a grandparent’s legal right to see and spend time with their grandchildren. Visitation may be limited to a certain number of times per week, month, or year and may also require that another adult be present to supervise. Custody rights, on the other hand, are the legal right to have physical custody and control of grandchildren. This typically means that the grandparent is responsible for the daily care and upbringing of the grandchild. In Washington, grandparents can only gain custody rights if the parent is no longer able to provide care and guardianship of the child. A grandparent would need to prove to a court that granting custody to them would be in the best interest of the grandchild, and that the parent is unable or unfit to provide adequate care. Custody is a much bigger commitment than visitation and can also come with financial and legal obligations. Ultimately, visitation rights give grandparents the opportunity to have a relationship with their grandchildren and stay involved in their lives. Custody rights, however, provide a much higher level of responsibility and give the grandparent more legal authority to make decisions regarding the child’s education, medical care, and other important matters.

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What is the difference between visitation rights and custody rights?

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