Grandparents' Rights Attorney West Springfield

Many grandparents find out the hard way that their custody and visitation rights are limited after a divorce splits a family. Sadly, some grandchildren are left without the love and support a grandparent provides after their parents' divorce, or if their parents were never married.

At the law firm of Johnson, Sclafani & Moriarty, we help grandparents seek custody and visitation rights. Contact our law office in West Springfield, Massachusetts, to set up a free in-office consultation. We will explain your options and lay out a plan to help you play a more integral role in your grandchild's life.

Seeking Custody and Visitation Rights

In Massachusetts, grandparents can seek visitation and custody rights in the following circumstances:

• If the parents are divorced
• If the parents are separated
• If one parent is deceased
• If the child was born to unmarried parents and paternity has been established

Family law courts always consider the best interests of the child. The courts will consider whether domestic violence or abuse is present in the household, and similarly drug or alcohol abuse. The courts assume that a child will best be raised by both parents. However, they do recognize that in certain circumstances, grandparents are better able to provide for the needs of their grandchild.

Grandparents' custody and visitation rights are not automatic. They must seek court approval. The lawyers of Johnson & Sclafani have more than 20 years of experience in family law, helping grandparents seek the legal right to be a part of their grandchildren's lives.