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View Full Version : Do grandparents have any rights in the state of Va.


tlwwbf12
Jun 8, 2012, 07:59 PM
My son 17, just fathered a child the mother is 16. It seems that the mother and grandmother of this child want our side of the family out of the picture. I nor my family want this we want to see this child very badly. We are getting the run around so far as to when we can visit this child, by the way my sons name is on the birth certificate. We haven't discussed getting a attorney at this time but it seems as though as the days pass by we are leaning in that direction.

Fr_Chuck
Jun 8, 2012, 08:26 PM
So your son files and gets visitation. When your son has the child at his home ( yours ?) then you visit.

ScottGem
Jun 9, 2012, 05:28 AM
Grandparents in VA are not treated separately, but lumped together as persons of interest. Grandparents Rights in Virginia - Grandparents Rights by State (http://grandparents.about.com/od/grandparentsrights/qt/Grandparent_Rights_in_Virginia.htm)

However, Chuck is right, GP's rights do NOT enter into the equation at this time. Your son is the father. He needs to go to court and establish HIS visitation rights. Unless they can prove he is a danger, he should get some visitation. If the child was just born he might have to wait 6 months or so for overnights. But he should get them. He might be required to take a parenting class to show he can care for the child. But, again, he should get some visitation. So when his visitation time comes up, you visit with him and the child.

The courts will not deal with your rights as grandparents at this point because it is unnecessary.