When the relationship you have with your grandchild is at risk, you need a skilled Statesville grandparents’ rights lawyer who can stand up for you, advocate fiercely, and protect your rights at every stage of the process. For broader disputes involving custody, visitation, or support across your family, a trusted Statesville family lawyer can help you understand how all of the issues fit together.
At Griffin Law, PLLC, we help grandparents navigate the complicated legalities of visitation, custody, and other family disputes to make sure their voices are heard and their relationship with their grandchildren is preserved.
About Us
With over 20 years of experience helping families with their legal situations, our team at Griffin Law, PLLC prides itself on straightforward communication that allows you to make decisions with confidence. Above all, we put your needs first, focusing on protecting your rights, preserving your family relationships, and securing the most favorable outcome possible.
Types of Grandparents’ Rights Cases
In the United States, the divorce rate is approximately 2.4 per 1,000 residents, and in 2024, there were 3.79 million family law cases in the country. Many of these cases likely involved children.
When parents separate, deny visitation, or can no longer care for their child, a grandparent can step in to make sure they’re still involved in the lives of their grandchildren. There are about 2.7 million children in the U.S. currently being raised by older family members, including their grandparents.
These circumstances can be deeply emotional and legally complicated, but understanding the different types of cases can give you a clearer picture of where your situation might fit and the steps you can take.
Some common cases include:
- Visitation petitions after parental separation or divorce. When a parent blocks access to a grandparent, grandparents can petition for visitation rights.
- Custody requests due to parental incapacity. If a parent can’t care for a child because of substance abuse, illness, or other factors, grandparents can seek custody.
- Disputes involving step-parents or guardians. When new family dynamics complicate access to grandchildren, grandparents might need legal intervention.
- Emergency situations. In cases where a child’s immediate welfare is at risk, courts can grant temporary visitation or custody to a grandparent.
Our team has guided countless grandparents across Iredell County through these deeply personal legal matters. Our team is dedicated to finding fair, compassionate, and lasting solutions that protect your rights while preserving the meaningful bond you share with your grandchild.
The Legal Process for Grandparents in North Carolina
The idea of going to court to protect their relationship with a grandchild can be daunting for many grandparents. However, understanding what you can expect in the process can help you approach your case with greater confidence, clarity, and a sense of purpose in protecting the bond that matters most.
You can expect the following steps:
- The court first determines if the grandparents have legal standing to file. This means proving a substantial, pre-existing relationship with the grandchild or that circumstances justify court involvement.
- Grandparents need to formally file a petition with the family court in the appropriate county.
- The parents or legal guardians must be notified of the petition and given a chance to respond or contest the request.
- Courts often encourage mediation to resolve disputes without a trial. Mediation can help you negotiate visitation schedules or custody arrangements that work for everyone.
- If mediation fails, a judge reviews the evidence, listens to testimony, and decides based on the child’s welfare.
- The court issues a decision that grants, modifies, or denies visitation or custody rights. This order becomes legally binding and enforceable.
At our law firm, we approach each case with care, attention, and a deep understanding of what’s at stake. Our priority is to help you protect your relationship with your grandchild while keeping their best interests at the center of every legal decision. If a parent later ignores a court-ordered schedule, an experienced Statesville court order enforcement lawyer can help you pursue enforcement options.
Hire a Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer: Why Local Representation Matters
When it comes to protecting your rights as a grandparent, hiring a local lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome. At Griffin Law, PLLC, we stand up for families in our own community: Statesville.
We regularly appear in the Iredell County Courthouse, the Statesville City Hall Court, and the Mooresville District Court, giving us firsthand knowledge of how local judges view and handle grandparents’ rights cases. This familiarity allows us to anticipate the process, prepare persuasive arguments, and help our clients move through the system with confidence and clarity.
When you choose us, you’re choosing a local ally who can stand beside you, protect your relationship with your grandchild, and fight tirelessly for the future you both deserve.
FAQs
Can Grandparents Petition for Visitation if the Parents Are Married, ?
Yes, grandparents can petition for visitation even if the child’s parents are married. Courts can evaluate whether the grandparent-child relationship is substantial and whether visitation serves the best interests of the child. Each case is unique, and our team can help present evidence of the bond and demonstrate why maintaining contact is important for the child’s well-being.
Do Grandparents Have Rights Even if They Haven’t Seen Their Grandchild in Years?
Grandparents could still have legal rights even if they haven’t seen their grandchild in years, but a prolonged absence can make a case more challenging. Courts generally prioritize the child’s current needs and their established relationships. Our experienced North Carolina team can help demonstrate past involvement, explain why renewed visitation benefits the child, and guide grandparents through the process of petitioning for visitation or custody.
Can Grandparents Challenge a Parent’s Decision to Move Out of State With a Child?
Grandparents can’t directly challenge a parent’s decision to move out of state with a child, but they can petition the court for a visitation schedule that allows them to see their grandchild. Courts generally weigh the relocation’s impact on the child’s relationship with the grandparents against the parent’s rights. Legal representation is crucial to advocate for a schedule or solution that maintains the child’s connection with their extended family.
Are Grandparents Entitled to Financial Support if They Gain Custody?
If grandparents are granted custody, they might be able to request child support from the child’s parents. Courts consider the child’s best interests and the financial responsibilities of both the custodial grandparents and the parents. Our team can help you navigate the process of filing for support, ensuring the child’s needs are met while protecting the rights of the grandparents.
Secure Your Bond: Let Us Fight for Your Family
At Griffin Law, PLLC, we know nothing is more important than family. When your relationship with your grandchild is at stake, you deserve a legal team that can stand up, fight hard, and refuse to back down. We approach every case with the compassion and determination you deserve, and we’re committed to securing a resolution that keeps your family connected.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and hire a grandparents’ rights lawyer from our firm.
