How Can Grandparents Obtain Visitation Rights in New Jersey?

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Grandparents play a vital role in their grandchildren’s upbringing. They assume various responsibilities, such as instilling values and supporting them during difficult times. The relationship between a grandparent and a grandchild is special as this connection gives them a sense of security. Grandparents’s involvement in their grandchildren’s lives has been shown to have a positive impact on a child’s development and well-being. When a rift between a child’s parents prevents grandparents from maintaining a meaningful relationship with their grandchildren, they often wonder whether they can obtain visitation rights. If you’re a grandparent who has been denied access to spend time with their grandchildren after a divorce or separation, it’s in your best interest to contact a determined Ocean County Child Custody Attorney who can help you fight to preserve your relationship.

Do grandparents have visitation rights in New Jersey?

When grandparents suffer from the loss of a once consistent and ongoing relationship with their grandchild, they often wonder whether they have any legal rights to gain access or to gain more time with their grandchildren. Fortunately, in New Jersey, extended family members, including grandparents, can obtain visitation rights to maintain a meaningful relationship with their grandchild. However, despite having the right to file a petition with the court for visitation, this isn’t a guarantee that they will be reunited with their grandchild.

When considering whether to grant visitation rights to a grandparent, the court will examine various factors. The child’s best interests are the primary factor that the court takes into account. Therefore, as a grandparent, you will be burdened with proving that the denial of visitation would have a negative impact on your grandchild’s well-being. Ultimately, you must demonstrate that it is in the child’s best interest to have a relationship with you. The following factors can impact the court’s decision on whether to award visitation to a grandparent:

The prior relationship between the grandchild and their grandparents
The relationship between the grandparents and the child’s parents
The last time the child grandchild has had contact with the grandparent
How the proposed visitation will affect the parents
The custody or visitation arrangement between the child’s parents
Whether there is any history of abuse or neglect
Any other relevant factors

After you file the proper paperwork with the appropriate court, it’s up to you to demonstrate how your involvement in your grandchild’s life is beneficial. If you’re a grandparent seeking visitation rights, you should enlist the help of a trusted attorney from the Law Office of Sarina Gianna, LLC, who can help guide you through each phase of this complex process. We are prepared to help you fight for more time with your grandchild.