It is not always in the best interests of a child to reside with either biological parent. Depending on the circumstances and the developments in Pennsylvania laws, a grandparent may have a right to petition for rights to visitation or child custody.
At Bentley Law Offices, P.C., our attorneys have more than 40 combined years of family law experience and are able to offer skilled and compassionate representation to grandparents. Contact our Pennsylvania grandparent rights lawyer for a free initial consultation. Call 610-685-8000 (Wyomissing), 717-272-7585 (Lebanon) or 717-735-9111 (Lancaster).
When Is it Appropriate to Request Rights?
It can be very difficult to recognize that your child is not currently capable of raising their own child. However, it sometimes is in the best interests of that child for the grandparent to temporarily or permanently raise the child. The most common circumstances are:
- If the parents have a drug or alcohol addiction problem
- If there have been instances of child abuse or child neglect
- If a parent has abandoned the child
- If a parent has lost his home
- If a parent is in an abusive relationship
With recent changes to Pennsylvania law, it has become more difficult for grandparents to obtain custody or visitation. It must be shown that you have a history with the kids and a connection to them. The best interests of the children are always the determining factor as well as how the grandparent custody would interfere with the parent-child relationship. Grandparents have a tougher road now than in the past. Our skilled attorneys can help you navigate that road, answer your questions and help seek the best possible outcome for your grandchildren.
Pennsylvania Grandparent Rights Laws
In Pennsylvania, the laws regarding grandparent rights are continuously changing. Our family law attorneys, stay current with the developments so that we can provide our clients with answers and guidance regarding available grandparent rights to child custody, visitation, and child support.
If you have a question regarding grandparent rights, third party rights, or other family law concerns, please contact us for a free initial consultation. Call 610-685-8000 (Wyomissing), 717-272-7585 (Lebanon) or 717-735-9111 (Lancaster).
