In some child custody cases, the grandparents may be the most suitable caregivers within a family. To this end, it’s important for grandparents seeking custody of minors to know their rights when it comes to the process. Fortunately for residents of Bullhead City, AZ, the attorneys at Law Offices of Paul Lenkowsky are adept at providing assistance in many areas of family law. Here, they offer a brief guide to your rights when it comes to having custody of your grandkids.

Grandparents Have Rights

According to Arizona law, grandparents have rights regarding child custody. Legislation has expanded the visitation rights afforded to grandparents in the state, letting them petition the court to be allowed visitation when parents are divorced. However, the rights governing custody and adoption tend to be a lot more stringent.

Considerations When Petitioning for Custody

While grandparents do have rights in terms of custody, there are certain requirements they should meet to show they are the best guardians for the children in question. Grandparents must be able to establish they are responsible for meeting the basic needs of a child to be considered guardians. They must also prove the kids run the risk of being harmed if they are left with the biological parents. The parents of the child must not be married at the time when custody is sought, either.

As with most cases, the best interests of the child are of paramount importance. While most courts prefer to grant custody to the birth parents, in some instances, this is not possible, especially in cases of abuse or neglect. Then, the courts are willing to acknowledge the rights of the grandparents. 

Whether you want more information on grandparents’ rights in Arizona, need help with child custody, or have any other family law concern, the team at the Law Offices of Paul Lenkowsky provide dependable representation to each and every client. Schedule a consultation in Bullhead City by calling (928) 758-4815 today. If you’d like more information on the full range of practice areas, feel free to visit this firm online.