Interaction and relationships with extended family members can significantly benefit a child. Close relationships with grandparents can help children with continuity, stability, and self-esteem. However, parents and grandparents may disagree about a grandparent’s right to see their grandchildren. When this situation arises, you need an experienced child custody lawyer to help you. Call (318) 722-8765 to contact Knight Law Firm and schedule a consultation with our Shreveport grandparent rights lawyer.
At Knight Law Firm, our family law attorney has over 20 years of experience. Our legal team is committed to helping our clients navigate family law matters to reach settlements and resolutions that are in their best interests. Attorney Robert Knight is a seasoned trial lawyer and a skilled negotiator. He never hesitates to take your case to trial to fiercely advocate for your rights when necessary.
How Knight Law Firm Can Help You with a Grandparent Rights Case in Louisiana
Our legal team understands that grandparent rights cases can be challenging. The parties are emotionally invested in the outcome of the case. Furthermore, strong emotions may be involved now because of the disagreements that have led the grandparents to seek a legal remedy to the situation.
When you hire our top-rated Shreveport family law attorneys, you can trust we will:
- Explain the laws governing grandparent rights in Louisiana and how the laws impact your situation
- Analyze the circumstances in your case to determine a strategy that gives you the best chance of a positive outcome
- Gather evidence to support your argument for custody of or visitation with your grandchildren
- Use mediation and negotiation to resolve the dispute whenever possible
- Fiercely argue your case in court and advocate for your rights as a grandparent
Grandparent rights cases can be challenging and complicated. In some cases, Louisiana family courts may grant grandparents visitation rights, but grandparent rights are not guaranteed. If you want to pursue visitation with your grandchildren, you need an experienced lawyer on your side.
Call Knight Law Firm, to schedule a confidential consultation with an experienced Shreveport grandparent rights lawyer to discuss your legal options.
For a legal consultation call 318-323-2213
What Are Grandparent Rights in Louisiana?
Grandparents do not have automatic rights to see their grandchildren. However, situations may arise that convince the court it is in the child’s best interest to order visitation with the grandparents. In some cases, the court may find that a grandparent is the best person to have custody of a child. For example, the parents abandon, abuse, or neglect the child.
If parents are unfit, the court may terminate their parental rights to allow grandparents to adopt their grandchildren. Adoption allows the grandchildren access to benefits, such as health insurance, military benefits, and Social Security.
Shreveport Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer Near Me 318-323-2213
When Can Grandparents Petition the Court for Visitation Rights in Shreveport, LA?
Courts recognize that a relationship between a child and their grandparents can benefit the child. However, the court must balance that relationship with the rights of the child’s parents to make decisions for their child without court interference.
Louisiana law allows grandparents to petition the court for visitation rights if the parents separate or divorce. However, if the child’s parents have not divorced or are currently living together, grandparents can seek visitation rights if any of the following apply:
- Death of a parent: When a parent becomes incarcerated or dies, regardless of whether the parent is unmarried or married. The parents of the incarcerated or deceased parent can ask the court to grant them reasonable visitation rights with the child.
- Separation of the parents: If the child’s parents live separately and apart for six months or more, grandparents can ask the court to grant them reasonable visitation rights. However, there must be extraordinary circumstances present, such as the parent being a drug addict.
- Interdiction of a parent: A married parent is interdicted (i.e., judged incapable of making decisions about their person or property). The parents of the interdicted parent can petition the court for reasonable visitation with their grandchild.
Even though the above situations give grandparents a basis for filing a petition requesting visitation rights, it does not mean the court will grant the request. The court will hear evidence and decide whether to grant the grandparent’s visitation rights.
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What Does the Court Consider When Deciding a Grandparent Rights Case in Louisiana?
The judge considers the best interest of the child when deciding custody and visitation matters. Factors the judge considers in a grandparent rights case for visitation include:
- The rights of parents to make decisions for their children, including the presumption that parents make decisions in the best interests of their children.
- A grandchild’s special needs and whether the grandparent can provide the required care.
- The relationship between the grandparent and the grandchild, including the length and quality of their relationship, before the grandparent filed a petition for visitation or custody.
- The physical health, mental health, and well-being of the grandchild and the grandparent.
- The grandchild’s reasonable preference for visitation or custody, given the child’s age and maturity.
Judges may consider other factors they deem relevant to deciding what is in a child’s best interest. Each case is decided based on the unique circumstances of the situation.
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Call Today to Speak with a Shreveport Grandparent Rights Lawyer
If you have questions about grandparent rights in Louisiana, contact Knight Law Firm, to discuss your situation during a consultation with a Shreveport grandparent rights lawyer. We help you exercise your rights to protect the best interests of your child or grandchild.
Call or text 318-323-2213 or complete a Case Evaluation form
