Does a grandparent have the right to object to the adoption of their grandchild?

In California, a grandparent’s rights to their grandchild are protected by the Grandparents Visitation and Access Act. This law states that if a grandparent has an ongoing relationship with their grandchild, they have the right to object to an adoption or guardianship of that grandchild. However, to successfully object, a grandparent must prove that the adoption or guardianship would not be in the grandchild’s best interests. A court will usually look at the amount of contact the grandparent has had with the grandchild, the emotional and financial support they have provided, and their relationship with the grandchild’s parents. If a court finds that the grandparent has provided substantial support and/or is a significant part of the grandchild’s life, then their objection would most likely be heard. It is important to note that the Grandparents Visitation and Access Act is a very complex area of California law. Because of this, any grandparent considering objecting to an adoption or guardianship should consult an experienced family law attorney. An attorney can help grandparent understand their rights and make sure that those rights are protected.

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