Grandparent Rights Attorney: Protecting Your Rights And Your Grandchild’s Well-Being
Family circumstances can get complicated. Sometimes, grandparents need to intervene to protect the well-being and safety of their grandchildren. My name is Steven M. King, and I am a family law attorney in Asheville. I understand the importance of grandparents’ rights and the challenges that grandparents face within the legal system when it comes to protecting their grandchildren.
If you are a grandparent seeking custody or visitation or need to intervene in your grandchild’s life, I’m here to provide compassionate and supportive guidance. My goal is to provide clarity and peace of mind during difficult times, and I encourage you to seek legal assistance to protect your rights and your grandchild’s best interests.
When Can A Grandparent Intervene On Behalf Of Their Grandchild?
When family circumstances become chaotic or complicated, there are times when grandparents need to step in to protect their grandchildren. Some common circumstances that may lead to a grandparent seeking custody include:
- A deceased parent
- An unfit parent due to parental neglect, substance abuse or child abuse
- A parent’s inability to provide a stable and safe environment
To prove a parent is unfit, a grandparent must demonstrate that the parent is unable to provide adequate care and support for their child. This may involve showing evidence of neglect, abuse or other harmful behavior. The court will always consider what is in the best interests of the child when making a decision about grandparent custody or visitation.
What Options Do Grandparents Have?
As a grandparent, you have several options to consider when seeking to protect your grandchild’s well-being. These may include:
- Third-party custody: Third-party custody is also known as nonparent custody.
- Guardianship: A nonparent can also petition the court for guardianship of a minor child.
- Visitation: A grandparent can also seek visitation of a child; this involves a lower burden of proof.
- Adoption: Grandparents can also seek adoption of a grandchild.
In order for a grandparent to adopt their grandchild, the rights of the biological parent must be terminated in a Termination of Parental Rights (TPR). An experienced family law attorney can help you evaluate the different options and determine the best course of action for you and your grandchild. If you suspect a child is in danger, do not wait – seek legal assistance immediately.
Do North Carolina Grandparents Have The Right To Visitation?
In North Carolina, grandparents have the right to file a grandparent visitation petition to seek visitation with their grandchildren. In every situation, the court will always consider the child’s best interest and could deny visitation if it decides that it is not in the child’s best interest. However, it might be easier for a grandparent to seek visitation than to seek custody.
Can A Parent Legally Deny A Grandparent Visitation In North Carolina?
Yes, a parent can legally deny a grandparent visitation in North Carolina. However, as a grandparent, you have the right to file a motion for visitation and seek legal standing to pursue visitation rights. An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate this process and advocate for your rights.
Consult An Asheville Grandparent Rights Attorney
If you are a grandparent who is in the middle of a challenging situation that involves the safety and well-being of your grandchild, I can help. As a grandparents’ rights attorney in Asheville, I am available by appointment for initial consultations. I can help minimize the stress and provide much-needed guidance to protect your rights and your grandchild’s well-being. Call The Law Office of Steven M. King at 828-900-3674 or send a message through my website to schedule a consultation today.