Do Grandparents have any visitation rights?

Although grandparents historically did not have a legal right of access to their grandchildren, Ohio Revised Code §3109.051 states the court may grant grandparents companionship or visitation rights under certain circumstances. These circumstances include the following: when married parents terminate their marriage or separate, when a parent of a child is deceased, and when the child is born to an unmarried woman. In these circumstances, a court may order reasonable visitation if it is in the best interest of the child and if the grandparent has an interest in the child’s welfare. An established, supportive and positive relationship between grandparent and grandchild would greatly further an argument for grandparent visitation rights.

For more information regarding divorce and family law, contact Gertz Law Firm at 513-583-1549.