What is the process for a grandparent to seek visitation rights in court?

In Maryland, a grandparent seeking visitation rights must go to court and file a petition asking the court for visitation rights. The Maryland Code of Family Law allows a grandparent to seek visitation rights if certain conditions are met. The grandparent must demonstrate that he or she has a genuine concern for the welfare of the grandchild and that visitation would be in the best interest of the child. The grandparent must also show that visitation would not interfere with the parent-child relationship, that there has been some form of existing contact or relationship between the grandchild and the grandparent, and that the parent has denied or unreasonably limited visitation between the grandparent and the grandchild. The court may also consider other factors in making its decision, such as the age of the grandchild, the nature of the relationship between the grandparent and grandchild, and the current living situation of the grandchild. If the petition is granted, the court may order supervised or unsupervised visitation depending on the best interest of the child. The court may also enter an order of temporary visitation and set a date for a hearing in which both sides can present evidence and argue their case. The court will then make a ruling based on the evidence and the best interests of the child.

Related FAQs

Are there any tax benefits available to grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren?
What is the standard for grandparents to be awarded guardianship of a grandchild?
Is there a legal way to have a grandparent named as a beneficiary on an insurance policy?
Is a grandparent’s visitation rights affected by their marital status?
What are the applicable laws in a grandparent's state that relate to visitation rights?
Are grandparents allowed to claim visitation rights if they have never been legally married to the grandchild’s parent?
Can a grandparent request visitation rights?
Do grandparents have the right to sue for wrongful death of a grandchild?
What are the legal processes for terminating a parent’s rights so a grandparent can adopt their grandchild?
Is joint legal custody of grandchildren allowed in all states?

Related Blog Posts

Grandparents Rights Law: What You Need to Know - July 31, 2023
Protection for Grandparents: Understanding Grandparents Rights Law - August 7, 2023
Navigating Grandparents Rights in Custody Disputes - August 14, 2023
Staying Informed: Changes to Grandparents Rights Law - August 21, 2023
Putting the Law On Your Side: Grandparents Rights Law Overview - August 28, 2023