What is the legal definition of a grandparent?

In Washington, the legal definition of a grandparent is a person who is related to a minor child as the parent of the child’s parent. Grandparents are not required to be blood relatives, and they may also include stepparents, adoptive parents, or even former in-laws. Grandparents may be given various rights in cases where their relationship with the minor child is determined to be in the best interest of the child. This is why Washington has adopted a Grandparents Rights Law, which recognizes the important role grandparents can have in a child’s life. Under the law, a court can grant visitation or other rights to a grandparent if, among other things, the child’s parent is deceased, the child has resided with the grandparent for a significant length of time, or the grandparent has maintained a close and substantial relationship with the child. The court has the discretion to decide the type of rights that can be granted, including visitation or other forms of contact with the grandchild.

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What is the legal definition of a grandparent?

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