Legal Definitions - grandparent visitation

Definition: Grandparent visitation refers to a court-approved access that grandparents have to their grandchildren. It is a type of visitation, which is a period of time when a relative, especially a noncustodial parent, can spend time with a child.

Examples:

• A court may grant grandparent visitation rights to a grandparent who has been denied access to their grandchild by the child's parent.
• Grandparent visitation can be restricted or supervised if the visiting grandparent is known or believed to pose a threat to the child's health and safety.

The examples illustrate how grandparent visitation is a legal right that can be granted by a court. It allows grandparents to spend time with their grandchildren, even if the child's parent objects. However, the court may limit or supervise the visitation if there are concerns about the grandparent's behavior or the child's safety.