1.  What happens in a Case 

With your input, the Judge will:

• Decide if visits with grandparent(s) are best for the child(ren).
• Create a plan for the child(ren) to visit with grandparent(s)

Note: If the judge does not allow visits you will receive a reason why in the court order.

2.  Can you File?

When Can You File?

 

• A grandparent might be able to ask for visitation when:
  1. there is already a court case with the child's parents such as a Divorce, Legal Separation, Custody or Annulment;
  2. there is a juvenile court case that includes custody and determining paternity;
  3. the child is involved in a Dependency and Neglect case, the child does not live with either parent and lives with someone who is not a family member; or
  4. the parent(s) of the child have died

• A grandparent might not able to ask for visitation when:
  1. the parent's rights have been ended/terminated;
  2. the child has been adopted; or
  3. if the child's parents have not been involved in any of the court cases above.

These are the qualifications to give the Court jurisdiction.

 

Who Can File?

 

A grandparent or great-grandparent of the child(ren).

 

3.  Terms

Intervenor

 

A person who enters into a court case that already exists.

 

Jurisdiction

 

The legal qualifications needed for a Court to be able to help you.

 

4.  Be Kind

Do No Harm

 

Avoid Emotional Harm

• Don't talk badly about the parents in front of the kids.
• Don't harm the children's relationship with the parents.

 

Decision Making

• Intense emotions can cloud your thought process.
• When emotions take over, it takes 20 to 30 minutes to calm down.
  • Take that time before making choices.  Or,
  • Wait until the next day to make a legal or other important decision.
• With a calm mind, you can make decisions that are right for your family.

 

A Time of Stress

 

Find productive ways to manage your:

 

Stress

• Get organized
• Eat well
• Get rest, and
• Exercise.

 

Emotions

• Develop a support system of adults.
• Find positive ways to deal with tough emotions.

 

Disappointment

• You won't get everything you want.
• Get legal help, if possible, to make realistic requests.
• Know that the Court has to make difficult decisions.
• Find ways to express your emotions that do not harm your family.