Grandparents' Rights

questions & answers

Question: I am being petitioned for grandparents rights by my estranged mother. What can I do?

Answer:

1. I am not sure from your question whether they are seeking custody or visitation. "Grandparents' Rights" are listed on the Arizona Legislative site at http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/25/00409.htm
   Section E states:
   E. In deciding whether to grant visitation to a third party, the court shall give special weight to the legal parents' opinion of what serves their child's best interests and consider all relevant factors including:
   
   1. The historical relationship, if any, between the child and the person seeking visitation.
   
   2. The motivation of the requesting party seeking visitation.
   
   3. The motivation of the person objecting to visitation.
   
   4. The quantity of visitation time requested and the potential adverse impact that visitation will have on the child's customary activities.
   
   5. If one or both of the child's parents are deceased, the benefit in maintaining an extended family relationship.