Under ideal circumstances, grandparents would get to visit their children as often as they like, but if for whatever reason a person denies grandparents visitation of their grandchildren, grandparents must go to court to try and secure visitation rights.
In some states grandparents simply have to show that visitation on their part is in the best interest of the grandchild. This is often enough for grandparents to obtain the right to visitation. Some states, however, are stricter about grandparents' rights. Not only do grandparents have to show that visitation is in the best interest of the child, but they must also show that the child's parents have denied them any opportunities to see their grandchildren.
For example in states like Alabama, Florida, and Utah, grandparents cannot make a legal case for visitation if the child's parents permit them to see their grandchildren from time to time. In these states it does not matter how infrequently grandparents are allowed to visit. In Minnesota and Pennsylvania grandparents have no rights to take their case to court unless their grandchildren have previously lived with them.
If you are hoping to seek grandparental rights so you can visit your grandchildren, contact Hutchinson Law now to learn about your legal options. By speaking with a Jacksonville family lawyer, you'll have a better idea of what you're up against.