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:
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 Wyatt & Butterfield, LLC, 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!
