GRANDPARENTS VISITATION RIGHTS AND CUSTODY

In every state, grandparents have the legal right to go to court to se ek visitation with their grandchildren. Visitation laws have evolved t oward more expansive rights for grandparents that reduce the parents' relative legal authority. Psychological research suggests that court-o rdered visitation imposed in high-conflict situations over parental op position may be detrimental to children. Grandparents who take on pare nting roles for their grandchildren may become involved in legal custo dy disputes. The custodial relationships that can be created between g randparents and grandchildren include formal custody, foster care, gua rdianship, and adoption.