Raising a child to adulthood typically inspires a feeling of accomplishment and pride. However, the excitement of watching a child graduate from high school or get married may pale in comparison to the joy brought by the birth of a grandchild.
Grandparents are often quite involved in the lives of their grandchildren. They provide child care and supplement the family’s finances to enhance the grandchild’s quality of life. Unfortunately, family relationships may abruptly change when the parents of a grandchild divorce.
Particularly in cases where a former son- or daughter-in-law receives the vast majority of parenting time or parental authority, grandparents may effectively lose access to their grandchildren. In such scenarios, the family court system may be able to help.
Grandparent visitation is sometimes available
Family court orders for visitation generally protect parent-child relationships. However, state statutes recognize that other close family members also play important roles in the lives of minor children. Both siblings and grandparents potentially have the right to petition the courts for visitation orders after a disruption to the family unit.
Scenarios including the death or incarceration of a parent could provide the basis for a visitation hearing request. Grandparents cut off from their grandchildren due to a divorce are also potentially able to request visitation rights.
Provided that the courts agree that changes in family circumstances meet the statutory requirements and that the grandparent’s presence is in the best interests of the children, the courts can order grandparent visitation. Regardless of the current relationship between the grandparent and the parents of the grandchildren, they can theoretically have regular access to their grandchildren beyond any visitation or parenting time rights extended to their child, the parent of the grandchildren.
Legally establishing the right to visit with a grandchild can be a complicated process. Grandparents hoping to request visitation may need help understanding the Louisiana grandparent rights rules and following the appropriate legal process to assert their rights. And that’s okay.