Grandparent Custody & Visitation Attorney

Attorney with experience in handling Grandparent Custody and Visitation cases.

The Virginia courts recognize that grandparents have a role in the lives of their grandchildren. The Courts realize that often times dissolution of the union of the birth parents can have a negative impact on the ability of grandchildren to have a meaningful relationship with their grandparents.

Grandparents should understand that there is no specific law or statute in Virginia that guarantees the rights of grandparents to see their grandchildren.

However, grandparents can bring suit and win court approved visitation of their grandchildren if they can show that it is in the grandchildren’s best interest to visit or even reside with their grandparents.

The Court in determining grandparent visitation and/or custody will look at factors such as:

• The grandparent has a history of spending a great deal of time with the child. If the grandparent saw the child regularly or provided child care, courts have precedent to rule in favor of allowing such relationships to continue.
• The grandparent can prove the child is in danger, or that issues of abuse, neglect, or exposure to a dangerous environment exist.
• Grandparents are effectively raising their grandchildren, in which case a grandparent custody lawyer may be able to help grandparents establish legal custody of the grandchildren.

With over 20 years of legal experience, James J. McCoart, III, has successfully represented grandparents seeking visitation rights or custody. If you are interested in discussing this matter with an experienced attorney, then contact The Law Office of James J. McCoart, III, by telephone (703) 369-2734, or by email.