Grandparent's Rights

Columbia, Missouri Grandparents’ Rights Lawyers

In Missouri, grandparents are extremely limited in their rights regarding their grandchildren. While grandparents have no right to petition for custody if the parents are married, they have limited rights in the event of the parents' divorce.

Further, if a grandparent has been granted temporary custody, guardianship, custody in a juvenile matter or some other rights by the court, the chance of being awarded some type of temporary custody by the courts is heightened.

Limited Situations Where Courts May Grant Grandparents Visitation in Missouri

Missouri courts may grant reasonable visitation rights to grandparents in the following situations:

• The parents of the child have filed for divorce.
• The child has resided in the grandparents' home for at least six months within the 24-month period immediately preceding the filing of the petition for grandparents' rights.
• One parent of the child is deceased and the surviving parent denies the grandparent reasonable visitation rights.
• The grandparents have been unreasonably denied visitation with the child for more than 90 days unless the parents are married to each other.
• The child is adopted by another grandparent, stepparent or another blood relative.

The Missouri Legislature has reinforced the rights of grandparents to have meaningful relationships with their grandchildren. However, courts will only grant visitation to grandparents when there is a finding that such visitation will be in the best interest of the child.

Contact Our Experienced Family Lawyers Today

At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, your rights will be protected. You can count on our more than 100 years of combined experience to help you get the results you need. Contact a Columbia attorney representing grandparents in custody rights cases at 573-442-1660 to schedule a consultation.

Divorce & Family Law Attorneys in Columbia, MO

At Harper, Evans, Hilbrenner & Netemeyer, you will find attorneys with more than 100 years of combined experience handling family law matters for people in Columbia and throughout central Missouri. We are passionate about using our experience to help you achieve your goals during this difficult time in your life.