Navigating Grandparents’ Rights in Orlando, Florida

Family members are not always on the best terms, and sometimes conflicts arise that impact the relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren. While there are many adults in Orlando who are grandparents and are an integral part of many families, there are others who are ensnared in disagreements that create barriers between them and their grandkids.

To pursue legal avenues, you need to understand the legal aspects surrounding grandparents’ rights to visitation. A skilled Orlando divorce lawyer can help navigate these sensitive matters.

Understanding Visitation Rights

Florida law acknowledges that grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren. When families face disruptions, such as separation, divorce, or other circumstances, grandparents may find themselves in a situation where they are denied access to their grandkids. In some situations, Florida law allows grandparents to seek legal remedies for visitation rights, but the process is not simple.

To start, grandparents must demonstrate that their involvement in their grandchildren’s lives is in the best interest of the kids. Also, that there is a pre-existing relationship that should be maintained. A range of factors will be considered by the court, such as the child’s well-being, the grandparent’s relationship with the child, the parents’ wishes, and routine disruption for the children.

In Orlando and throughout the state of Florida, grandparents may pursue visitation rights under the following circumstances.

• One or both parents are deceased, missing, or unresponsive.
• One or both parents has been convicted of a felony
• One or both parents has demonstrated a threat of violence toward the child

These are not situations that give grandparents absolute rights. Visitation plans must be part of promoting the child’s well-being.

Should you choose to assert your grandparent rights, a family attorney will take the time to assess the specific circumstances of the case, including building a strong legal argument. This normally includes gathering evidence that highlights the positive impact of the grandparent-grandchild relationship and presenting the collected documentation of a positive existing relationship in order to make a compelling case in court.

Discussions May Be a Path to Preserving Bonds

To pave the best path forward, share the details of your situation with Orlando divorce lawyer. If there is a way to negotiate a visitation schedule outside of court, that could be a productive way to preserve some familial relationships. When grandparents find themselves in situations where access to their grandchildren is limited and they believe this limitation is unjust, they should talk to a legal professional about their options.

Is it time for you to talk to an attorney? A lawyer can tell you if legal action will be helpful or not. Through careful legal representation it may be possible for Orlando grandparents to work towards ensuring that the special bond between them and their grandkids remains intact. Discuss your case with the lawyers at Donna Hung Law. Call 407-999-0099 or contact us online to schedule an initial evaluation.