Grandparent Visitation Standard: New Case Law

Issues of grandparents’ rights to visitation with their grandchildren always hinge on the best interests of the child standard. That is, the Massachusetts Probate and Family Courts will order grandparent visitation only where it is in the best interests of the child...

Grandparents Seeking Custody or Visitation

Forget the sappy Hallmark ads depicting grandparental bliss. Forget the press about the important relationship forged between grandparents and grandchildren. When it comes to visitation, grandparents using the courts to assert their rights to see their grandkids face...

Parents Attending Post-Termination Hearing

A biological parent whose parental rights have been terminated. Does this parent have the right to participate in a post-termination hearing regarding visitation rights? Yes, according to a recent decision by the Massachusetts Appeals Court. In Adoption of Zak, the...

De Facto Parents and Visitation Rights

Holly and Hannah are going through a divorce. Hannah’s twelve-year-old son, Kyle, has known Holly since he was a toddler. Holly has never formally adopted Kyle, and her name isn’t on his birth certificate. However, she loves him as her own child. Holly has also...