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Can grandparents in Maryland seek visitation rights for their granddaughter?

Can grandparents in Maryland seek visitation rights for their granddaughter?

Q: Can a parent deny a grandparent visitation in Maryland?

Yes, a parent in Maryland can initially deny a grandparent visitation. However, if the grandparents believe that visitation is in the child's best interests, they can file a petition in court. The court will then evaluate the situation and may grant visitation rights if it serves the child's welfare.

Q: Can you keep your kids away from their grandparents?

Yes, as a parent, you can choose to keep your children away from their grandparents. However, if the grandparents believe this decision is not in the child's best interests, they may petition the court for visitation rights. The court will assess the situation based on the child's welfare and may intervene if necessary.

Full question:

We are residents of Maryland and the paternal grandparents of our 9-year-old granddaughter. She now stays with her maternal grandparents. They are not allowing us to visit our grandchild due to some family discord. We are too intimate with our granddaughter. Is there any remedy available for us to have visitation rights?

Category: Divorce
Subcategory: Grandparents Visitation
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Maryland

Answer:

In Maryland, grandparents can petition for "reasonable visitation" with their grandchildren. The law allows equity courts to grant visitation if it serves the child’s best interests, as outlined in Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 9-102. Specifically, the court may:

Consider a petition for reasonable visitation by a grandparent.
Grant visitation rights if it is in the best interests of the child.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

What are grandparents laws in Maryland?

In Maryland, grandparents have the right to petition for visitation with their grandchildren under certain circumstances. The law allows grandparents to seek 'reasonable visitation' if it is deemed to be in the child's best interests. This is outlined in Md. Code Ann., Fam. Law § 9-102. The court will consider various factors, including the child's relationship with the grandparents and the impact of visitation on the child's well-being.

Do I have to let my daughter see her grandparents?

As a parent in Maryland, you have the right to make decisions about your child's visitation with grandparents. However, if a grandparent petitions the court for visitation rights, the court may grant visitation if it is in the child's best interests. It's important to consider the child's emotional and developmental needs when making these decisions.

Can a parent deny a grandparent visitation in Maryland?

Can a grandparent refuse to return a child?

In Maryland, grandparents do not have the legal authority to refuse to return a child to their parents unless they have legal custody or guardianship. If a grandparent has been granted visitation rights, they must adhere to the terms set by the court. If there are concerns about the child's safety, parents should seek legal advice.