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In many families, grandparents are very involved. When circumstances change, a grandparent might want to seek legal help to exercise their rights. Colorado law does give grandparents visitation rights under several circumstances. 

Anyone with grandchildren can tell you how special they are. Some grandparents form very tight bonds with their grandchildren. Today’s grandparents are arguably more involved than those of past generations. They live close, help with childcare, and take care of other child-related tasks. Some attend school programs or even volunteer at their grandchild’s school. There is no denying that there is potential for a close relationship between grandparent and grandchild. However, when family circumstances change, such as a divorce, this relationship has the potential to be disregarded. Many grandparents who experience this first-hand turn to Aurora grandparent rights lawyers for help.

Grandparent Visitation Rights in Colorado

In general, Colorado supports grandparent rights on a limited basis. They do include potential visitation rights as well as custody rights in some circumstances.

There are typically two steps for the courts to determine if a grandparent can be granted visitation rights. To request visitation rights, the grandparent must do the following under Colorado law:

• Establish that a qualifying circumstance exists
• File a motion in court requesting visitation, including an affidavit that provides facts in support of the request

A grandparent may have a right to visitation if:

• Their grandchild’s parents are in the process having their marriage dissolved, separated, or annulled, or have already done so
• Custody of the child is given to someone other than the child’s parent
• The child’s parent (your child, not the other parent) has passed away 

Any case in which parenting time is determined is a qualifying circumstance for a grandparent to request custody. No matter the circumstances, it is best to have Aurora grandparent rights attorneys on your side as you legally pursue your rights to see your grandchild. Trying to do so alone can be very risky and may not provide the results you want.

The Difference Between Grandparent Custody and Grandparent Visitation

Keep in mind that custody and visitation rights are entirely different from one another. If the court grants visitation to grandparents, the child’s parents still retain their legal right of custody. The parents still make decisions for the child, but you have the right to see your grandchild under a set schedule. This schedule is set forth by the family court judge. 

Get the Legal Help You Need from Aurora Grandparent Rights Lawyers

If you are seeking legal visitation rights with your grandchild, your emotions may be running high. You might be worried that you will never see them again or will only see them on a limited basis. When you hire the attorneys at CNL Law Firm, PLLC, we will work tirelessly to get you the visitation rights you are entitled to under Colorado law. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can help you. Call (720) 370-2171 or complete our online form today to receive your no-obligation legal consultation with knowledgeable Aurora grandparent rights lawyers.