Family Law — Imperial Valley
Grandparents’ Rights
Helping grandparents maintain meaningful relationships with their grandchildren when family circumstances make legal action necessary.
Overview
Protecting the grandparent-grandchild bond
Grandparents play a vital and irreplaceable role in children’s lives. When family circumstances change — through divorce, separation, the death of a parent, or family conflict — grandparents may find their access to grandchildren suddenly restricted or eliminated.
California law recognizes grandparents’ rights to petition for visitation and in some cases custody of their grandchildren. Courts weigh the best interest of the child alongside the existing bond between grandparent and grandchild when making these determinations.
Legal Services
How Scott can help
Grandparent visitation petitions
Grandparent custody petitions
Emergency custody for grandparents
Visitation schedule negotiations
Enforcement of visitation rights
Cases involving parental unfitness
Modification of existing orders
Mediation with parents
The Process
What to expect
1
Eligibility Review — Scott reviews your situation to determine if you qualify to petition for visitation or custody under California law.
2
Filing the Petition — A formal petition is filed with the family court requesting visitation or custody rights.
3
Mediation — Courts often require mediation between grandparents and parents before a hearing is scheduled.
4
Court Hearing — A judge considers the best interest of the child and the existing relationship between grandparent and grandchild.
5
Court Order — If granted, a formal visitation or custody order is issued and becomes legally enforceable.
Have questions about your situation?
Call Scott’s office — he’s here to help.