Minnesota does recognize the rights of grandparents to visit with their grandchildren. When there are situations in which a grandparent’s own child is dead or absent or has their own parenting time restricted, or even if the grandparent and their child are simply estranged, there are still remedies that allow a grandparent to visit their grandchild.
Minnesota Statute section 257C.08 lists the circumstances that would allow a grandparent to get a court order allowing visitation with their grandchild. One such circumstance listed is when the grandchild has resided with the grandparents, or great-grandparents, for a period of 12 months or more and is then removed from the home by their parents. In this kind of situation, the grandparents may petition the district court for an order granting them reasonable visitation rights to the child during their minority. The court will grant the petition if it finds the visitation would be in the best interests of the child and will not interfere with the parent-child relationship. Minnesota Statute section 257C.08 Subd. 3.
As a grandparent, if you find yourself in a situation in which you are being limited time with your grandchildren to which you have already established a healthy and beneficial relationship, remember that you do have rights. Contact Ken Wasche today to discuss your rights and options as a grandparent.