Twin Cities Custody and Grandparents' Rights Lawyer
When parents divorce and create a custody agreement, other members of the family are usually left out. Many times, grandparents are blocked, intentionally or unintentionally, from seeing their grandchildren. However, the state of Minnesota statutorily provides alternatives for grandparents or other interested third parties.
At the Meinerts Law Office, P.A. in Burnsville, Minnesota, we assist grandparents in obtaining temporary or permanent visitation or custodial rights. Contact our firm to schedule a free initial consultation with attorney Merlyn Meinerts.
Securing Visitation and Custody Rights
Minnesota statute provides for grandparent visitation during divorce proceedings. The court has the authority to grant reasonable visitation rights if it is found to be in the best interest of the children and if the visitation does not interfere with the parent-child relationship.
In situations where parents and grandparents reach a voluntary agreement of custodial placement of a child with grandparents, Minnesota law provides for a custody consent decree. This decree allows parents to temporarily or permanently transfer legal and/or physical custody to grandparents so they can make educational and medical decisions for the children. A custody consent decree can also provide for child support.
When grandparents and other third parties have safety concerns for children or have served as the primary caretaker of the children, they can petition the court to be appointed as interested third parties. The petitioning party must prove some element of endangerment to the child, emotionally or physically, should the child stay with an unfit parent. Elements may include neglect, abandonment, domestic violence, psychological instability or chemical dependency.
Free Consultation With Lawyer Merlyn Meinerts
To discuss grandparents' rights in regard to visitation or custody, contact Meinerts Law Office. Call Burnsville lawyer Merlyn Meinerts at 952.236.4562 or fill out our simple contact form for a free initial consultation.
