GRANDPARENT VISITATION RIGHTS
Grandparent visitation rights started to become an issue during the 1970s, according to many commentators who write on the issues affecting grandparents. This issue coincided with the no-fault divorce laws that were enacted across the country beginning in 1970. California was the first state to enact no-fault divorce when it became effective on January 1, 1970.
As families have redefined themselves over the last several decades, the role of grandparents has changed as well. When extended families lived in close proximity, a grandparent’s right to spend time with their grandchildren was not necessarily questioned. However, the rights of grandparents to visit their grandchildren, especially as the population of the United States shifts to an older demographic, has become increasingly important.
Experts who write on grandparent issues have noted a trend among courts is to acknowledge the parents’ rights to make decisions for their children. Many writers on grandparent visitation rights advocate maintaining positive relationships with the parents in order to maintain the right to visitation. Some commentators have also noticed another trend reported by grandparents, the withdrawal of contact with grandchildren when parents and grandparents disagree about how to raise the child.
Each new generation of parents wants to parent the way they believe is right. When conflicts occur, parents can limit the relationship their children have with grandparents. Agreeing to disagree can be one way to avoid the loss of a relationship. Maintaining as positive a relationship as you can with your grandchild and children will go a long way to supporting contact.
However, there are times when as a grandparent you may feel you have no recourse but to petition the court to establish your right to visit your grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Our Tucson and Phoenix certified legal document preparers in Arizona are able to prepare the documents necessary to establish grandparent visitation rights.
In Arizona, a person other than a legal parent is allowed to petition the court for visitation with a child. Arizona Revised Statutes 25-402 lay out the rights of “third parties” with regard to a child. Our certified legal document preparers will prepare your documents and obtain a hearing date for you.