Grandparent Visitation Rights in NY
Experienced Dutchess County Grandparent Visitation Attorneys
When a couple goes through a divorce, the repercussions do not begin and end with just their own lives. Their children and their parents will all be affected in one way or another. If you are a grandparent of a grandchild whose parents have divorced, you may need to fight for your rights to visit your grandchildren.
Allow the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano, Jr., LLC to help you with this task. Our lawyers are renowned all throughout New York for providing caring customer service and tenacious legal representation for when matters escalate to the courtroom.
Come see why we were given the 2015 Avvo Clients’ Choice Award for Family Law – just contact us today to begin.
Understanding Your Legal Standing as a Grandparent
The state uses a case-by-case procedure when deciding whether or not to let a grandparent visit their grandchildren. As with a divorce, your visitation must be in the child’s best interests, not just your own. If either parent has attempted to keep you away from their child, you will need to show that your presence will be beneficial to your grandchild.
If one or both parents of your grandchild have passed away, you may be granted automatic rights to visit them. You may even request the right to become their legal guardian if visitation is not enough. Still, even in such unique and unfortunate circumstances, you are not given grandparent visitation rights automatically and you will need to present your case to the court.
You may want to show the court that you:
- Provide your grandchild companionship
- Help pay for your grandchild’s necessities
- Assist your own children in raising their children
- Can give your grandchildren shelter away from domestic abuse
It should also be noted that great grandparents and step-grandparents do not automatically inherit any visitation rights in New York State, not even in situations where there are no surviving parents.
Can Parents Legally Deny Grandparent Visitation in New York?
There must be enough evidence to deny a grandparent visitation in NY. The judge considers the parent's objections, family structure, and any friction between grandparents and parents. However, animosity is not substantial evidence.
Start with a Consultation for Your Grandparent Rights
Family law disputes are complicated to settle between immediate family members, such as two spouses, but the matters can become even more complex if you are more distant from the source of contention, such as if you are a grandparent wanting to visit a grandchild. Get to the center of your case and start standing up for your grandparental rights without getting bogged down by legal definitions and paperwork by recruiting our team today. You will readily find that our attorneys are genuinely invested in the well-being of our clients and that all we want is to see you and your family happy.
Your case evaluation awaits – dial (845) 605-4330 at your first opportunity.
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
READ WHAT PAST CLIENTS HAD TO SAY
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"Using the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano to handle my divorce was the best decision I could have made."
I want to say that using the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano to handle my divorce was the best decision I could have made. Kristen explained everything up front in terms that I could understand, and she put me at ease from the moment we met. Erika kept me abreast of everything that was happening throughout the whole process. She answered all my questions quickly and again in a way that I could understand. I would recommend the Law Office of Dennis R. Vetrano to anyone.
- David B. -
"Unfortunately some of the hardest times in our lives we need an attorney to help guide us through such emotional and uncertain and scary period"Unfortunately some of the hardest times in our lives we need an attorney to help guide us through such emotional and uncertain and scary period. Choosing the best attorney can take away some of the fear and anxiety Dennis and his absolutely amazing team have held my hand and calmed my nerves on more than one occasion Stacey is always on the other end of the phone to reassure me that it is a process and it will be ok.I have found such comfort in Dennis his knowledge and strong confidence that he and his team have it all under control allows me to focus on myself and my children while they handle my case. I highly recommend this firm!- Jennifer Garofolo
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"I am extremely thankful for having received the best representation from my attorney Kristen D. Farris for a temporary order of protection case against my soon to be ex-husband."
I am extremely thankful for having received the best representation from my attorney Kristen D. Farris for a temporary order of protection case against my soon to be ex-husband. Everything went so smooth with her amazing expertise and professionalism. In the court, she took charge right away and everything was just so well. I was so relieved! The outcome of the case was perfect and the case settled without any issues. I had no chance to stress! Finally, the office staff was so friendly and the communication, which was mostly through e-mail, was perfect. I am looking forward to working with Kristen with the next steps of getting a divorce. God answered my prayer when I asked for a great attorney :) I was so nervous but thankfully everything went so well!!!
- Rosa Gonzalez -
"Kristen and Erika were wonderful to work with. Very professional, yet compassionate. They thoroughly explained everything in understandable terms."
Kristen and Erika were wonderful to work with. Very professional, yet compassionate. They thoroughly explained everything in understandable terms. Both Kristen and Erika were prompt in all communications and kept me informed throughout.
- Rebecca T. -
"Tough, gracious, generous, and committed describe Kristen’s qualities as my attorney."
Tough, gracious, generous, and committed describe Kristen’s qualities as my attorney. And much thanks to the paralegal team as well. Their combined experience provided prompt support whenever I had any questions and helped talk me through my situation and to provide clarity. I can’t thank Kristen and her team enough for the all hard work and kindness through the process.
- T. Curtis-Verderosa -
"Christal Prinz is OUTSTANDING! She has compassion and a wealth of knowledge about the law."
Christal Prinz is OUTSTANDING! She has compassion and a wealth of knowledge about the law. She has a good common-sense approach as well. It was a delight to work with her considering the circumstances and nuances of my case and the law.
- A.P. -
"I am so thankful I found this law office to handle my divorce. Kristen was a pleasure to deal with and handled my divorce flawlessly. Communication was always very fast, and always very clear."
I am so thankful I found this law office to handle my divorce. Kristen was a pleasure to deal with and handled my divorce flawlessly. Communication was always very fast, and always very clear. I highly recommend! Couldn’t have been handled better. Thank you.
- Claudia Franciosa -
"The guidance and knowledge they provided was immeasurable."I am so grateful for the wonderful team that assisted me through one of the most difficult times of my life. The guidance and knowledge they provided was immeasurable.- Jessica Conklin