In Georgia, grandparents may have the right to petition the court for visitation with their grandchildren under certain circumstances. Here's a general overview:
Eligibility: Grandparents can petition the court if they can demonstrate that the child will suffer harm from the lack of an ongoing relationship with them.
Circumstances: Georgia law allows grandparents to seek visitation rights in situations such as:
The parents' marriage has been dissolved.
Custody has been granted to someone other than a parent.
The child's parent has been deceased.
Best Interests of the Child: The court's primary concern is always the best interests of the child.
Factors Considered: When deciding whether to grant visitation, the court will consider various factors, including:
The nature and quality of the relationship between the child and the grandparents
The reasons for the parents' denial of visitation
The potential impact of visitation on the child's emotional and psychological well-being