Summers & Associates Wants Grandparents to Know Their Rights
Grandparents in West Virginia possess limited but significant rights when it comes to maintaining relationships with their grandchildren. Under specific circumstances, the state allows grandparents to seek visitation or even custody. Knowing these rights helps grandparents protect valuable family bonds during difficult situations. Summers & Associates wants grandparents to know their rights when it comes to their grandchildren.
When Grandparents Can Seek Visitation Rights in West Virginia
In West Virginia, grandparents may seek visitation if one or both parents prevent them from seeing their grandchildren. Courts will consider visitation requests, especially when a parent has passed away, divorced, or separated. Visitation depends on proving that contact benefits the child’s well-being and aligns with their best interests.
How Courts Determine the Best Interests of the Child
West Virginia courts prioritize the child’s well-being above all else. To grant visitation or custody to grandparents, the court examines factors like the child’s relationship with the grandparents, the child’s preferences (if old enough), and the parents’ wishes. Demonstrating a positive, supportive relationship helps grandparents strengthen their case.
Pursuing Custody as a Grandparent in West Virginia
Gaining custody as a grandparent requires meeting specific legal standards in West Virginia. Courts may award custody if both parents are unfit or unavailable, or if the child has lived with the grandparents for an extended period. Demonstrating stability, emotional support, and a safe environment bolsters a grandparent’s custody claim.
Why Relying on Summers & Associates Benefits Grandparents
Navigating grandparents’ rights can be challenging without legal assistance. Working with our experienced attorneys helps grandparents understand their options and rights. Summers & Associates provides compassionate guidance tailored to complex family situations, ensuring that grandparents pursue what’s best for their grandchildren and family relationships.
Grandparents play a vital role in their grandchildren’s lives, and protecting that relationship matters. With experienced family law attorneys like Summers & Associates in Parkersburg, WV, grandparents gain support in securing visitation or custody rights. For more information, reach out to discuss how we can help you navigate these sensitive family matters.
For more on the rights of grandparents, call Summers & Associates at (304) 420-0975. Follow us on Facebook for updates. We are ready to help you with your questions related to grandparents.
