By Robert M. Going, Jr., Attorney
Grandparents often assume an essential role in a child’s life. Whether they live close by or across the country, many grandparents treasure their time with these special family members. But what happens when grandparents are unfairly denied visitation rights? Can a grandparent step in to assume custody in an emergency? What happens when one or both parents become unfit to care for a child? PA law addresses all of these questions.
In the United States, grandparents’ legal rights are determined at the state level, which means that each state has different interpretations of the scope of grandparents’ rights. Please remember that this article will cover rights under Pennsylvania law. Custody rights often differ from state to state, so residents of other states should seek consultation with a more local divorce attorney.
According to research by the U.S. Census Bureau, over seven million American grandparents live with grandchildren under 18. About a third of those grandparents are also the primary caregivers for their grandchildren. There are many reasons a grandparent might assume this role. Parents may be in the military, required to travel, chronically ill, or deceased. In other cases, grandparents step in as parents work through difficult situations such as addiction or prison.
Many Pennsylvania grandparents care for children with the consent of one or both parents. In other cases, Pennsylvania has provided legal recourse for grandparents who wish to petition for custody due to concerns about the health, safety, and happiness of their grandchildren.
While grandparents do not need legal custody to care for their grandchildren for a week or even a month, the situation changes when they become caregivers for more extended periods. Lancaster County grandparents who want to be a part of their grandchildren’s lives through visitation can also pursue their legal rights in many circumstances.
Visitation Rights After a Divorce
After a divorce, one or both parents may cut off communication with grandparents. This is more often true for the parents of the noncustodial parent. Under Pennsylvania’s Chapter 53 Custody Laws, grandparents may seek visitation if the parents have already initiated custody proceedings. In addition, Lancaster County grandparents may seek legal permission for certain forms of visitation. When a person requests visitation rights, a judge makes the decision based on the best interests of the child.
This decision is usually based on a few factors, including:
- The existing relationship between the grandparents and the child
- Whether granting visitation will negatively impact the parent-child relationship
- Whether visitation with the grandparents is in the child’s best interests
Importantly, if both parents agree that contact with the grandparents is not in the child’s best interests, a court can refuse to hear a petition for visitation.
Supportive Care in Cases of Chemical Dependency
Addiction presents substantial risks to families, especially to children. Even when a parent is actively working to end their addiction, the process can take months, even years. Pennsylvania’s custody act provides legal standing to assume custody of a grandchild if it is determined that a child is at substantial risk due to parental drug or alcohol abuse. Every case is different, so it makes sense to consult a family law attorney to discuss the possibility of seeking primary custody.
Custody or Visitation Rights in Cases Involving Illness or Death
When one parent dies, Pennsylvania law allows the deceased person’s parents to seek visitation or even partial custody of their grandchildren. Family courts make evaluations based on the existing relationships as well as the wishes and well-being of the grandchild.
Grandparents can also petition for partial custody or visitation when one parent has a mental illness or life-threatening condition affecting their ability to adequately care for their children.
Custody During Prison Sentence
If one or both parents of a child are incarcerated, grandparents may seek temporary custody or visitation rights. In these situations, it is common for grandparents to care for the children without obtaining formal custody rights. However, seeking temporary custody through the courts gives grandparents the legal right to make crucial decisions on behalf of the child while the parent is away.
Turning Temporary Custody into a Permanent Arrangement
In Pennsylvania, grandparents may seek primary custody of a grandchild when the child has lived with the grandparents, with the parent’s permission, for at least 12 months. But even if a grandparent has already assumed primary custody duties, the court still makes decisions based on the child’s best interests.
If the child lived with the grandparents for at least twelve months but is no longer living with them, the grandparents may still seek custodial rights within six months of the child’s removal from their home.
Protecting Grandchildren from Abuse
Child abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. Failure to provide regular meals, supervision, emotional support, care, and attention to educational needs is another form of abuse. Grandparents can seek full physical and legal custody to protect grandchildren in such situations, but they may need the help of a family law attorney to provide proof, which may include research on parental behavior, documentation, and testimonials.
A Lancaster County Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer can Help
When Lancaster County grandparents want to maintain an essential relationship through visitation, or when they have concerns for their grandchildren’s health, safety, and well-being, we can help. Pennsylvania recognizes certain grandparents’ rights. Going and Plank can evaluate the situation and determine if the grandparents have a case for pursuing custody or visitation. Contact the Law Offices of Going and Plank in downtown Lancaster to discuss your situation.
What to learn more about Grandparents’ Rights in PA? Check out these articles.
What do Recent Changes in PA Law Really Mean for Grandparents’ Rights?
