Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

Re: grandparents visitation rights

If you do not have any personal referrals I would advise contacting the Virginia State Bar Lawyer Referral. They can suggest attorneys that handle the type of case that you have in a particular locale. Be advised that this is not a list of the "best" lawyers in the state, but rather those that pay to be put on the list. I would also strongly advise that you get an attorney that specifically has handled grandparent visitation cases.

Re: grandparents visitation rights

Grandparents are recognized under Virginia law as "persons with a legitimate interest" in securing visitation rights with their grandchildren. (See Va. Code Secs. 20-124.1 and 20-124.2.)

And, if you cannot afford to hire Virginia counsel to assist you with this matter, you could go to the local Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court in the area where the family resides and complete the paperwork there in the clerk's office to request a hearing on the matter and

an opportunity to ask the court to enter an order giving you visitation rights with "the young ones before it is too late".

Re: grandparents visitation rights

You need to consult with an attorney in Virginia to discuss your options. In recent years, it has become much more difficult, if not impossible, for grandparents to force visitation when the parents do not agree.

These are complex issues, and it is important that they be handled correctly. Therefore, it is important that you consult an experienced family law attorney to find out what options are available to you based on the facts of your particular case.

If you need more information, you can visit my family law blog (www.SCFamilyLaw.com) or our website (www.StevensFirm.com). I wish you the best of luck.

Ben Stevens