Is a grandparent required to pay child support if they get custody of a grandchild?

In Oregon, grandparent visitation and custody rights are protected by the Grandparents Rights Law. Under this law, a grandparent has the right to seek visitation with or even legal custody of a grandchild if it can be shown that it is in the best interests of the child. However, in the event that a grandparent does obtain custody of a grandchild, they may be required to pay child support. Grandparents who get custody of a grandchild are not automatically responsible for child support, as this would need to be taken up in court. The court may decide that the custodial grandparent is liable for child support if the non-custodial parent/s have the financial ability to pay for the grandchild’s needs. In other words, the grandparent may need to provide financial support for the grandchild if the non-custodial parent does not have the ability to provide financial assistance. That said, the court may also decide that the non-custodial parent has the obligation to pay the child support to the custodial grandparent, regardless of their financial ability, based on the best interest of the child. Ultimately, if a grandparent is seeking custody of a grandchild in Oregon, they should be aware that they may also need to take on the responsibility of providing financial support for the child.

Related FAQs

In some states, are grandparents allowed to file a petition for visitation rights without the involvement of the custodial parent?
Is joint legal custody of grandchildren allowed in all states?
Are grandparents allowed to obtain a court order to allow visitation rights to a grandchild?
Is there any financial assistance available to grandparents raising their grandchildren?
Are grandparents allowed to have their name placed on their grandchild’s birth certificate?
Can grandparents be held financially responsible for their grandchild’s medical bills?
What are the legal procedures for changing a grandparent’s name on their grandchild’s birth certificate?
Are grandparents allowed to claim a grandchild as a dependent on their taxes?
How does a grandparent apply for partial or full guardianship of a grandchild?
What are the benefits of grandparents having visitation rights?

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