On behalf of The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
Most happy childhood memories revolve around family. Children especially need alone time with their grandparents and the extra attention they provide. Grandparents are generally a good influence on their grandkids. Unfortunately, once a couple of files for divorce some grandparents feel they will not be able to see their grandchildren again. Florida is somewhat strict when it comes to granting grandparents visitation rights. Once the parents and grandparents agree on a visitation schedule, the courts may not interfere, unless the child’s safety is threatened.
Child custody issues are too complex to navigate on your own. Unless you hire a Fort Lauderdale child custody lawyer with experience handling these types of cases your legal rights may not be respected.
Since July 1, 2015, the grandparents’ visitation rights in Florida changed dramatically. Before, a grandparent could request these rights under some specific circumstances but not any longer. If you are a grandparent petitioning visitation, you may be granted these rights only if:
- The parents are missing or very ill.
- One parent died and the other is physically unable to take on such responsibility.
- A parent becomes involved in criminal activities.
The Application Process
As long as there is a good parent around, grandparents will be denied visitation rights, unless parents agree to such arrangements.
- The child has been significantly harmed due to parental unfitness.
- Grandparent’s visitation is in the child’s best interest.
- Grandparent’s visitation will not result in parenting time interference.
It is best to have a qualified Fort Lauderdale family attorney reviewing these factors prior to taking your case to court. Your attorney can determine if your petition is in the best interests of the child. Grandparents can request visitation only once every 2 years so it is important they do it right.
To Parents
If you would like your kids’ grandparents to be more involved in your children’s lives, contact a Fort Lauderdale custody time-sharing lawyer. Unfortunately, these laws are very strict in Florida due to the many grandparents’ harsh criticism of the natural parents’ parenting style. This is why in Florida a child’s relationship with his or her parents is more important than any other relationship therefore it is given more consideration during custody proceedings.
If you would like your kids’ grandparents to be more involved in your children’s lives, contact a Fort Lauderdale custody time-sharing lawyer. Unfortunately, these laws are very strict in Florida due to the many grandparents’ harsh criticism of the natural parents’ parenting style. This is why in Florida a child’s relationship with his or her parents is more important than any other relationship therefore it is given more consideration during custody proceedings.
Arm Yourself With The Best Legal Resources
Child custody is one of the most contentious areas of family law. Everyone wants to keep the children but not everyone qualifies. Only a well-versed Fort Lauderdale child custody attorney can predict the outcome of your child custody situation after taking a closer look at your circumstances.
When you need a Fort Lauderdale divorce attorney, you can contact us by click here or calling at 954-533-2756 for a free consultation.
