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Grandparents' Rights in Pennsylvania: Speak With a Montgomery County Family Law Lawyer

Visitation and Custody Rights of Grandparents in Montgomery County, PA

grandpa holding baby Some of the most complicated laws in Pennsylvania determine custody and grandparents' rights. This becomes even more evident when relatives of the child are the ones seeking to remain in contact. Grandparents, in particular, risk losing contact with grandchildren while the parents work through their own custody and visitation issues. The good news is that Pennsylvania has laws that protect grandparents' rights to visit and, in certain cases, gain partial custody of their grandchildren.

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Important Criteria to Follow

A Montgomery County, PA family law lawyer at the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. can assist you if you want to petition for the right to remain involved in your grandchild's life. We will put together a case for the family court judge that establishes your legal standing based on the following criteria:

  • The request is in the best interest of the child
  • Your closeness to the child up until now
  • The history of your relationship with your grandchild
  • Your relationship to the child's parents or legal guardian
  • Your visiting or gaining partial custody would not interfere with the parent-child relationship
  • Your grandchild is unmarried

We will help determine whether you have the right to visit or request partial custody of your grandchild. Under Title 23, Part V, Chapter 53, SubChapter A of Pennsylvania law, grandparents may petition the court under the following circumstances:

  • Your child, the parent of your grandchild, is deceased, whether or not he or she was still married to the other parent at the time of death.
  • Your grandchild's parents have been separated for six or more months, or have otherwise commenced annulment or divorce proceedings.
  • Your grandchild lived with you for a period of 12 or more months before being removed from your home by his or her parents, whether or not the parents are together, divorced or in the process of divorcing.

One major exception to all of the above is if a person other than a stepparent or grandparent adopts your grandchild. Such adoption automatically terminates any other visitation or custodial arrangements made before it went through.

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Call To Schedule a Consultation With a Montgomery County Family Law Attorney

If you want to retain an active role in your grandchild's life, you need a Montgomery County family law attorney who can explain your rights, file all the necessary paperwork and provide advocacy when dealing with parents, other attorneys and the judge. Please call the Law Offices of Sheryl R. Rentz, P.C. at (610) 645-0100 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

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Additional Information

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