Six years ago the U.S. Supreme Court curbed grandparents' rights in child-visitation disputes stating that it interfered with the parent(s)' right to make decisions for their child. Three recent rulings by state supreme courts suggest that those who go to court seeking more time with their grandchildren are gaining legal reception.
The recent rulings in Pennsylvania, Utah and Colorado in favor of grandparents who sought visitation despite the objections of the child's parent indicate that the courts increasingly are sympthazing with grandparents, especially in the case of a death of a parent or a family tragedy. In the three aforementioned cases, either one or both of the child's parents had died and the child had already established a relationship with his/her grandparents.
Grandparent visitation laws vary state-to-state. Check with a local attorney to see whether your state currently recognizes grandparents' rights.
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Jennifer Jaskolka-Brown, an Iowa attorney located at 6601 Westown Parkway, Suite 200, West Des Moines, Iowa, (515) 247-4705, practices in general civil litigation with an emphasis in Iowa Family Law issues. She provides guidance in family law matters from divorce, paternity, disestablishment of paternity to adoption,and guardianships. She also provides representation in a wide-variety of civil litigation issues.
