NEPA Grandparents’ Rights Attorney

Family often means much more than parents and children. Having healthy and loving relationships with extended family members is important for children of all ages. When possible, children should never be denied the opportunity to have a connection with various family members. As a grandparent, you hope to be an active part of your grandchild’s life. However, getting to see your grandchild is not always easy. You may think that as a grandparent, you have no rights when it comes to your grandchild, but this is not always the case.

The family law attorneys of Lermitte & Lubin know how complicated family life can become and that this often negatively impacts the children. If you’re concerned that you’re being denied time with your grandchild, we can help you understand your grandparent rights and fight for your grandchild’s best interests.

Grandparents’ Rights in Pennsylvania

Under the Grandparent Visitation Act, Pennsylvania does give grandparents rights in some cases. This allows grandparents to seek visitation rights to spend time with their grandchildren in a few different situations. This includes:

When one or both of the parents is deceased
When the parents have filed for divorce or been separated for at least six months
When the child has resided with the grandparent for at least 12 months

While being awarded visitation allows grandparents to see their grandchildren and maintain a relationship, some grandparents may believe that their grandchildren’s home life calls for more than that. In some cases, grandparents may find it necessary to seek custody of their grandchildren. Grandparents in PA can seek custody of their grandchildren in the following circumstances:

The grandparent has a relationship with the grandchild with the parent’s consent or a court order
When one of the following is true:
- The grandparent has assumed custody of and cared for the child for at least 12 consecutive months
- The grandparent has taken responsibility for a child who has been adjudicated to be dependent through Child Protective Services
- The grandparent believes the grandchild is substantially at risk due to parental abuse, neglect, drug or alcohol abuse, or mental illness

At Lermitte & Lubin, we know how important it is to ensure your grandchild has the support, care, and love they need. We will help you enforce your rights to be involved in your grandchild’s life.

How Do Courts Determine if Grandparents Receive Visitation or Custody Rights?

Of course, the child’s best interest is the top priority when determining whether or not to award a grandparent visitation or custody rights. The court may consider various factors, such as:

The relationship between the grandparent and grandchild
The care provided by the parents and grandparents
The child’s needs and who can provide for them
The mental, emotional, and physical health of the parents
How it would interfere with the child’s relationship with their parents
The child’s preference, depending on their age

When being part of your grandchild’s life will help them grow up in a loving and supportive environment, they deserve that relationship. Our grandparents’ rights attorneys can help you fight to see your grandchild.

Enforce your Grandparents’ Rights with Lermitte & Lubin

Knowing that your grandchild is properly cared for and has what they need is difficult when you’re kept out of their life. Unfortunately, this is a reality for some grandparents. However, it’s important to know that you may have rights that allow you to stay involved with your grandchild and have a relationship with them. We can help you throughout this process.

Don’t hesitate to contact the NEPA grandparents’ rights attorneys of Lermitte & Lubin to find out how we can help. Schedule a consultation with us today.

How To Find Us

Address

297 Pierce St.
Kingston, Pennsylvania 18704

Mail

[email protected]

Phone

570-338-2594

Hours

24/7

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We aim to promptly address your message. While we maintain strict confidentiality, it's important to understand that reaching out to us does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

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