Advocating for Grandparent’s Rights

Reliable Family Lawyer Serving Fayetteville & Cumberland County

In North Carolina, grandparents may seek visitation or custody rights of their grandchildren under certain circumstances. The Fayetteville, NC grandparent’s rights attorney at Hedahl & Radtke Family Law Center possesses more than 30 years of experience and can help you seek a positive solution.

To learn more about what legal rights a grandparent has as it pertains to child custody, contact us today!

• Factors courts consider when determining grandparent’s rights include:
• The strength of the relationship between the grandparent(s) and the child.
• Evidence of neglect or abuse by the parent(s) or grandparent(s).
• The physical and emotional health of the child.
• The child’s wishes.
• Evidence of substance abuse by the parent(s) or grandparent(s).
• The safety and overall welfare of the child.
• The ability of the parent(s) or grandparent(s) to provide affection, care, and love for the child.
• The existence of an ongoing controversy between the parents of the child

According to North Carolina law, courts must consider what is in the child’s best interests when determining grandparent’s visitation in a case where there is an ongoing controversy between the parents, however, may not award grandparents custody .unless it first determines the parents have acted in a manner inconsistent with their constitutionally protected status as parents. If the dispute cannot be resolved through negotiation or mediation between the parents and grandparents, the court will make a decision at the request of any party. At Hedahl & Radtke Family Law Center, our Fayetteville, NC grandparent’s rights lawyer can work diligently to gather evidence for your case and represent you in court.

Understanding Grandparent’s Rights in North Carolina

Under state law, grandparent’s rights may be terminated if the grandchild is adopted. The only exception to this rule is if the adoption is between a stepparent and a stepchild. If the grandparent can provide evidence of a substantial relationship with the child, the courts may grant visitation or even custody rights, depending on the circumstances.

Furthermore, courts may grant custody or visitation rights to grandparents if the parents of the child are deemed unfit, incompetent, or abusive. In these cases, grandparents may seek custody of the child if it is determined in the child’s best interests. Our Fayetteville, NC family law attorney can discuss your options and provide knowledgeable legal advice for your case.

Call today at (910) 684-3370 for compassionate and tenacious representation Fayetteville & Cumberland County.