Grandparent’s Rights

Get Resilient Advocacy from a Lakeland Family Law Attorney

Are you a grandparent who has been disallowed from seeing your grandchildren by their parents? New legislation in Florida gives you the ability to petition to see your grandchildren in certain cases. You have rights as a grandparent and a dedicated and competent Lakeland family law attorney from my firm can push for those rights in and out of court.

Clients in need of legal help in the Bartow and Lakeland areas have come to depend on Advocate Law Firm, P.A. because of the emphasis I place on protecting their rights no matter what their needs are. I am a seasoned litigator with over 20 years of experience, meaning I understand how Florida courts work and how to ensure my client’s rights are protected at all times.

Don’t be sidelined when it comes to your family!

Parents have broad rights when it comes to raising their children, but new legislation allows for grandparents to have some visitation rights in the case that one or both parents are deceased, in a persistent vegetative state, or missing.

After you file a petition for visitation, a hearing will be held to determine if you can show the parent(s) is unfit or poses harm to the child. As an experienced Lakeland grandparent's rights attorney, I can argue on your behalf that having visitation rights would be in the best interests of the child.

How Can Grandparents Strengthen Their Case for Visitation or Custody?

Grandparents play an essential role in the lives of their grandchildren, often providing stability, love, and support. In situations where a grandparent seeks visitation or custody rights, it's crucial to present a compelling case to the court. Here are several strategies that can help strengthen their case:

• Demonstrating a Strong Bond: One of the most critical factors the court will consider is the existing relationship between the grandparent and the grandchild. Providing evidence of a close, loving relationship can significantly impact the court's decision. This may include photographs, letters, or testimonies from family members and friends who can attest to the strong bond.
• Showing Consistent Involvement: Consistent involvement in the child's life can demonstrate the grandparent's commitment and reliability. Documenting regular visits, participation in school activities, involvement in extracurricular events, and providing care during the parents' absence can highlight the grandparent's active role.
• Proving the Best Interest of the Child: Courts prioritize the child's best interest when making custody and visitation decisions. Grandparents should be prepared to show how their involvement is beneficial for the child's emotional, social, and psychological well-being. This may involve presenting evidence of a stable home environment, the ability to meet the child's needs, and a history of providing emotional support.
• Highlighting Parental Challenges: If the parents are facing significant challenges such as substance abuse, mental health issues, or a history of neglect, grandparents should be prepared to present this information to the court. Providing evidence of these challenges and demonstrating how the grandparent can offer a more stable and nurturing environment can be persuasive.
• Legal Documentation and Expert Testimonies: Gathering relevant legal documents, such as medical records, school reports, and any documentation of previous caregiving roles, can be essential. Additionally, expert testimonies from child psychologists, social workers, or other professionals who have assessed the child's needs and the grandparent's ability to meet them can provide strong support for the case.

How Can a Grandparent's Rights Lawyer Help?

A grandparent's rights lawyer specializes in navigating the complexities of family law as it pertains to grandparents seeking visitation or custody rights. Here are several ways a lawyer can assist:

• Expert Legal Guidance: A lawyer can provide expert advice on the legal standards and requirements specific to Lakeland, Florida. They can help grandparents understand their rights and the best strategies for presenting their case.
• Preparing a Strong Case: Lawyers assist in gathering and organizing the necessary evidence, including documentation of the grandparent-grandchild relationship, testimonies, and expert opinions. They ensure that all evidence is presented in a compelling manner that aligns with legal standards.
• Navigating Court Procedures: Legal proceedings can be daunting and complex. A lawyer can guide grandparents through the process, from filing the initial petition to representing them in court. This includes ensuring all paperwork is completed accurately and on time.
• Negotiation and Mediation: In some cases, it may be possible to reach an agreement with the parents outside of court. A lawyer can facilitate negotiations and mediation, striving to reach a mutually agreeable arrangement that serves the child's best interests.
• Advocacy in Court: If the case goes to court, a grandparent's rights lawyer provides strong advocacy, presenting a well-prepared case and arguing on behalf of the grandparents. Their experience and knowledge of family law can be crucial in persuading the court to grant visitation or custody rights.

Get Trusted Representation for Family Law Matters

My firm is poised to file your petition and push for your rights as a grandparent to see your grandchild under the given circumstances. You need a lawyer with experience and tenacity, which is exactly what I bring to every case I handle. We offer services in English and Spanish.