Anchorage Grandparent Visitation Lawyer
Statutes governing grandparental visitation provide two separate means of requesting such visitation. Where a grandparent is permitted to participate as a party in a custody determination, he or she may request that the court "provide for visitation by a grandparent ... if that is in the best interest of the child." Alternatively, under Alaska Statute section 25.20.065, a grandparent may petition for visitation " [a]fter a decree or final order relating to child custody is entered under AS 25.20.060 or AS 25.24.150" so long as the grandparent did not formally request visitation during the pendency of the custody proceedings.
Alaska Statute section 25.20.065 provides in relevant part:
(a) Except as provided in (b) of this section, a child's grandparent may petition the superior court for an order establishing reasonable rights of visitation between the grandparent and child if
(1) the grandparent has established or attempted to establish ongoing personal contact with the child; and
(2) visitation by the grandparent is in the child's best interest.
(b) After a decree or final order relating to child custody is entered under AS 25.20.060 or AS 25.24.150 or relating to an adoption under AS 25.23, a grandparent may petition under this section only if
(1) the grandparent did not request the court to grant visitation rights during the pendency of proceedings under AS 25.20.060, AS 25.23, or AS 25.24; or
(2) there has been a change in circumstances relating to the custodial parent or the minor child that justifies reconsideration of the grandparent's visitation rights.
In a custody determination under this section, the court shall provide for visitation by a grandparent or other person if that is in the best interests of the child. In determining the best interests of the child, the court shall consider all relevant factors, including those factors enumerated in AS 25.24.150(c) and the presumption established in AS 25.24.150(g). Where a grandparent participated in the custody proceedings, he or she may nonetheless institute a separate action seeking visitation under AS 25.20.065 where "there has been a change in circumstances relating to the custodial parent or the minor child that justifies reconsideration of the grandparent's visitation rights."
Contact Attorney Kenneth M. Wasche for a Free Initial Consultation
Consultations can be scheduled on-site at attorney Kenneth M. Wasche's Anchorage office or off-site as necessary. As a licensed pilot and member of the Alaska Airman's Association Mr. Wasche can visit many of Alaska's road inaccessible locations by air.
To schedule a free initial consultation with an Alaska family law lawyer, call 907-980-1223 or send an e-mail.
