One of the heartbreaking aspects of divorce concerns what happens to the grandparents’ relationships with their grandchildren when a marriage dissolves. All too often grandparents are given the cold shoulder and cut off from their grandchildren because of the hostility or vindictiveness of a custodial parent.
While there is a national trend in the law granting grandparents more rights to see their grandchildren, the laws of the states vary a great deal. Unfortunately, securing grandparents rights is a difficult path to follow with success in Maryland, but those rights can be secured in certain situations.
In Maryland, there is a presumption that fit parents can and do make decisions that are in the best interests of their children. While a court can grant reasonable visitation to grandparents, it must be in the best interests of the child, and grandparents must show that there is good reason to interfere with parental rights and decision-making. Generally, the grandparents must show parental unfitness or exceptional circumstances.
A Baltimore Grandparents Rights lawyer can assist you with showing that it is in the child’s best interests to continue a relationship with grandparents. The court can look at such factors as:
- The nature of the relationship between the child and grandparents
- The benefits and detriments of granting visitation with the child
- The effect of the visitation on the child’s attachment to family
- The physical and emotional health of all parties
- The stability of the child’s life, including schooling
A skilled attorney can examine your situation and advise you on your options with regard to pursuing grandparents’ rights. Call Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC today at (443) 589-0150 to schedule a consultation with one of our qualified Baltimore County Grandparents Rights lawyers or contact us online.