Advocating For Grandparent Rights In Anchorage, Wasilla, The Kenai Peninsula And Throughout Alaska

In many cases, grandparents play an integral part in their grandchild’s life. However, in Alaska, grandparents have limited rights when it comes to seeing their grandchildren. Parents have a fundamental right to raise their child as they wish. If this means preventing their child from seeing his or her grandparent, so be it.

However, there are situations when grandparents may ask the court for visitation or custody of their grandchild.

1. Pending Child Custody Actions

If the parents are trying to reach a custody agreement in a pending divorce or custody action, either together or with help from the court, a grandparent can ask the court for special visitation rights with the grandchild.

2. Situations Involving Parental Neglect Or Abuse

Sometimes children are subject to tragic circumstances involving parental neglect or abuse. In these instances, grandparents can ask the court for custody of their grandchild so they can provide a stable and safe environment for the child.

A court will determine whether a grandparent may have custody of a child if:

• The parents are unfit, or
• The child’s welfare is in danger if the child remains in the parents’ custody, and
• Changing custody to the grandparent will be in the child’s best interest

If you are a grandparent and wish to seek visitation or custody of your grandchild for any of the above reasons, it is important to understand that the burden of proof is high — but not unattainable.

At Family Law Center for Men, we can help.

Our family law attorneys have assisted grandparents in Anchorage, Wasilla, the Kenai Peninsula, and throughout Alaska with visitation and custody rights that have involved many different types of situations. We have even helped grandparents with grandchild adoption.

We have more than 55 years of combined experience handling all types of family law matters. If you are looking for guidance, or wish to understand whether you have rights to visit or seek custody of your grandchild, reach out to our team.

Let us help – contact us today!

What Are Grandparent Rights in Alaska?

Grandparent rights in Alaska primarily involve seeking court-ordered visitation with grandchildren, as there is no automatic entitlement. Under AS 25.20.065, grandparents may petition the superior court for reasonable visitation if they have established or attempted ongoing personal contact with the child and visitation serves the child’s best interests. Grandparents’ rights are secondary to parents’ fundamental rights to make decisions about their children. As grandparent rights lawyers in Anchorage, AK, at Family Law Center for Men, we assist families—often fathers and grandfathers—in navigating these limited but important protections, advocating for meaningful relationships when appropriate and in the child’s best interests.

Under What Circumstances Can a Grandparent Petition for Visitation in Alaska?

A grandparent may petition for visitation under AS 25.20.065(a) if they have established or attempted ongoing personal contact with the grandchild and can show visitation is in the child’s best interests. If a custody order already exists (from divorce or other proceedings), the petition is limited to situations where the grandparent did not previously request visitation or there has been a substantial change in circumstances. As grandparent rights lawyers in Anchorage, AK, we help grandparents evaluate eligibility, gather evidence of prior contact, and present strong cases to the court while respecting parental authority.

What Is the Standard of Proof for Grandparent Visitation in Alaska?

Alaska courts apply a high burden: when a fit parent objects to visitation, grandparents must prove by clear and convincing evidence that denying visitation would be detrimental to the child, meaning the child would suffer harm or injury. This standard prioritizes parental rights. Our grandparent rights lawyers in Anchorage, AK, build compelling evidence—including witness statements, records of involvement, and child-focused arguments—to meet this threshold and secure reasonable visitation when it benefits the grandchild.

How Does a History of Domestic Violence or Child Abuse Affect Grandparent Visitation?

Under AS 25.20.065(c), courts must consider any history of child abuse or domestic violence attributable to the grandparent’s child (the parent of the grandchild) when deciding visitation. This factor can influence terms and conditions or even support granting visitation in some cases. As grandparent rights lawyers in Anchorage, AK, we investigate these issues thoroughly, present relevant evidence, and advocate for fair outcomes that prioritize child safety and meaningful family connections.

Can Grandparents Seek Custody of Their Grandchildren in Alaska?

Alaska has no specific statute granting grandparents automatic custody rights. Courts recognize parental preference, requiring clear and convincing evidence that parents are unfit or that custody with grandparents is necessary to prevent detriment to the child. These cases are complex and rare. Our grandparent rights lawyers in Anchorage, AK, assist families in assessing standing, gathering evidence of unfitness or changed circumstances, and pursuing custody when it serves the child’s best interests—often in situations involving neglect, abuse, or parental absence.

What Factors Do Alaska Courts Consider for Grandparent Visitation?

Courts focus on the child’s best interests, including the nature and quality of the grandparent-grandchild relationship, the grandparent’s prior contact, potential benefits of visitation, and any risks like family conflict or parental objections. Parental decisions are presumed valid unless detrimental. As grandparent rights lawyers in Anchorage, AK, we help present evidence showing how visitation supports the child’s emotional well-being, stability, and family ties without unduly interfering with parental rights.

Can Grandparent Visitation Be Requested During a Pending Custody Case?

Yes, during an ongoing custody dispute between parents (under AS 25.20.060 or AS 25.24), grandparents may intervene to request visitation. This allows the court to address visitation alongside the parents’ case. Our grandparent rights lawyers in Anchorage, AK, guide grandparents through intervention motions, coordinate with existing proceedings, and advocate for inclusion of reasonable visitation schedules that foster positive relationships.

Why Hire a Grandparent Rights Lawyer in Anchorage, AK?

Grandparent rights cases involve high burdens of proof, constitutional protections for parents, and sensitive family dynamics—making experienced representation essential. A dedicated grandparent rights lawyer in Anchorage, AK, like those at Family Law Center for Men, listens to your concerns, evaluates your eligibility under AS 25.20.065, gathers evidence of your bond with the grandchild, and fights aggressively in court to secure visitation or other protections. We prioritize child-focused solutions while navigating Alaska’s strict standards.

How Can Grandparents Modify or Enforce Visitation Orders in Alaska?

Existing grandparent visitation orders can be modified with a substantial change in circumstances justifying reconsideration under AS 25.20.065(b). Enforcement may involve motions if a party violates the order. If circumstances have changed or visitation is being denied, our grandparent rights lawyers in Anchorage, AK, file appropriate motions, provide updated evidence, and represent you to maintain or adjust access that benefits your grandchild.

What Role Does the Child’s Best Interests Play in Grandparent Rights Cases?

The child’s best interests are paramount in all grandparent petitions, with courts weighing factors like emotional bonds, stability, and potential harm from forced or denied contact. Alaska law emphasizes avoiding unnecessary conflict. As grandparent rights lawyers in Anchorage, AK, we focus on demonstrating how your involvement supports the child’s well-being, using evidence and arguments aligned with statutory and case law to achieve positive outcomes for families.

Areas We Serve in Alaska

Anchorage | Juneau | Ketchikan | Palmer | Sitka | Wasilla