Third Party Child Visitation Rights in Missouri

Grandparents, stepparents, siblings, and others wishing to parent a child are known as "third party parents." These parties have very narrow visitation rights in regards to a child in the state of Missouri. Only grandparents have the right to petition the courts for visitation rights under Missouri law if they have been cut off from contact with a grandchild and then only in three possible circumstances. They may petition only if their grandchild's natural parents have divorced or have initiated the divorce process, if one of the natural parents of their grandchild has died and the surviving parent cuts contact but only if that surviving parent is related by marriage, such as a son-in-law or daughter-in-law, or if their grandchild has lived with them for six months out of the last two years before the divorce petition was filed and they are denied contact with the child for at least 90 days.

For a grandparent to succeed in being granted visitation rights in any of the above circumstances, he or she must prove to the court that such visitation would be in the best interests of the child and that it would not hurt the child's emotional stability. In cases where a grandparent is being denied contact with their grandchild, they can also request that the court order mediation so that they can resolve the issue between themselves and their grandchild's parents. Obtaining custody of a grandchild is a different matter and is much more difficult if either parent is still alive. In that circumstance, the grandparent would have to prove to the court that the surviving parent is unfit.

Divorce and Family Law Firm in Kansas City, Missouri

Family law matters, such as visitation rights mentioned above, are very personal and often highly-emotional issues which can have a long-lasting impact on your life. Ensuring that you are fully informed about all of the legal factors and ramifications of these issues under state law is vital when it involves such intimate matters as family relationships. The Reynolds Law Firm, LLC, based in Kansas City, is dedicated to providing you with excellent family law representation, whether you are a spouse, ex-spouse, parent, grandparent, unmarried parent, or another interested party.

With more than 20 years of combined experience handling all types of divorce and other family law matters, the attorneys at the firm have earned a reputation for competence and compassion. They have been recognized by Super Lawyers, the Kansas City Business Journal, and have earned high ratings with Martindale-Hubbell. The firm offers a free, initial consultation to help you learn more about what is involved in your specific case. Contact their offices to get started today.