In many families, grandparents play an important role in their grandchildren’s lives. They are viewed as mentors, nurturers, friends, and even parents to an extent, especially if the child’s parents work long hours or multiple jobs.
However, when a grandchild’s parents file for divorce, grandparents may be worried that they won’t get to see the child as frequently as they used to.
So, in the event of a divorce, could grandparents obtain visitation rights in Ohio?
The following are three circumstances in which grandparents may be granted visitation:
- When the child’s parents divorce or separate
- When the child’s parents are unmarried
- When a child’s parent dies
While many divorced parents may approve grandparent visitation, there are some who may object, which can make obtaining grandparent visitation rights quite difficult. Remember, Ohio courts automatically presume parents know what is best of their children, giving special weight to their preferences
If a grandchild’s parent doesn’t want to grant visitation rights to a grandparent, the grandparent must file a petition in court and prove that spending time with his/her grandson or granddaughter is in the child’s best interests. Common factors that the court will consider include the child’s age, the child’s relationship with the parents and other family members, the parent’s schedule and availability to care for the child, the distance between the grandparent’s home and child’s main residence, the physical and mental help of the parents and the child, and the child’s wishes(if he/she is at least 12 years old).
If you are interested in obtaining grandparent visitation rights in Dayton or Cincinnati, contact L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC today at (937) 685-7006 and schedule a free consultation.