Grandparents' visitation rights have become an issue with the amount of divorce. Some grandparents may not be allowed to see their grandchildren if they do not have a good relationship with the parents. In certain states there are grandparent laws that define when the grandparents have rights to see the grandchildren.
Termination
Under Minnesota law, a grandparent's visitation rights to a grandchild can be terminated. This can occur if the biological parents' rights are terminated. It can also happen if the grandchild is adopted by someone other than a stepparent or grandparent. However, if the child is adopted by a stepparent, grandparent or great grandparent, the grandparents can still have visitation with the grandchild. Visitation will be granted as long as it will not interfere with the parent and child relationship.
Deceased Parent
Grandparents can petition the court for visitation rights to a grandchild, if they are the parents of one a deceased parent of the grandchild. As long as grandparents or great-grandparents visitation with the grandchild will not interfere with the relationship of the remaining parent and child, visitation may be granted.
Grandchild Previously Lived With Grandparents
Grandparents and great-grandparents can petition the court for visitation of a grandchild that has once lived with them under Minnesota law, according to Minnesota Lawyers. The child must have lived with the grandparents or great-parents for at least a year. If the grandchild is removed from the grandparents' home after a year by the parent(s) they can petition for visitation. The grandparents can petition for visitation even in the event of divorce, separation, annulment or paternity action as long as the grandchild has lived with the grandparents.
