Stepparent & Grandparent Rights Lawyers – Denver, Colorado
Attorneys Protecting Your Family in Colorado
The bonds that form with stepchildren and grandchildren can be very strong. This is particularly the case if a stepparent or grandparent was a main caregiver for any amount of time. Divorce can become contentious and end up limiting your access to a child. The courts generally prioritize the rights of biological parents, but there are ways to maintain these important ties. Over the years, Marc Kaplan has helped stepparents and grandparents to maintain these important relationships.
Grandparents Rights in Colorado (Visitation and Custody)
According to Colorado Law (C.R.S. §19-1-117), grandparents and great-grandparents have the right to seek court-ordered visitation with their grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Specifically, grandparents can seek visitation when the child is involved in a custody-related case, such as:
- The child’s parents are getting divorced or legally separated
- The child has been placed in the care of someone outside the parent’s home
- The child’s parent has died (if that parent was the child of the grandparent)
Like any custody-related family law case, grandparent visitation will only be granted if the court determines it to be in the child’s best interest.
Can grandparents get custody in Colorado?
In addition to visitation rights, grandparents may also obtain custody of their grandchildren in some situations according to C.R.S. §19-1-115. By law, the court may award custody to grandparents if they are willing, available, and capable. Additionally, custody is only granted to the grandparent if there is no available natural or adoptive parent to care for the child.
Children grow up so quickly, so time is of the essence. Contact one of the lawyers at Marc Kaplan to start the process to get visits back in place. Each situation is different – we offer tailored legal representation based on your needs.
