Do grandparents have visitation rights in Ohio?

The answer is yes, grandparents do have visitation rights in Ohio. However, these rights only exist in a few circumstances under the law. Grandparents are entitled to visitation of their grandchildren when it is in the best interest of the child AND when of the following circumstances exist:

1.      When married parents get divorced or separate

2.      When a parent of a child is deceased

3.      When the child is born to an unmarried woman

The court will also look at several other factors including: the wishes and concerns of the child’s parents, the prior interaction and interrelationships of the child, the location and distance of the grandparent’s residence, the child’s age, the child’s wishes, the child’s and parent’s available time, the child’s adjustment to the home, school, and community, the health and safety of the child, the amount of time the child has available to spend with siblings, the mental and physical health of all involved parties, and whether the person seeking visitation has been guilty of a crime that led to the abuse or neglect of a child.

 In order to get visitation rights, grandparents must file the required documents in the appropriate court. An attorney would ensure that your case is filed and argued properly. Call Allison today at 330-474-9701 to schedule your free consultation.