Columbus Grandparent’s Rights Lawyer
Are you considering custody options for your grandchildren in Columbus, Ohio? When family relationships break down, grandparents are sometimes caught in the middle. You may be cut off from your grandchildren after a divorce, separation, or family dispute. At Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, we understand how painful that can be.
Our Columbus grandparent’s rights lawyers are here to help you fight for your relationship with your grandkids. If you want to ask for visitation or need custody because the child’s living situation isn’t safe, we can help you understand your legal choices based on Ohio’s current laws. Contact us or call (614) 485-8248 today to schedule a free consultation.
How Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC Can Help Grandparents Protect Their Rights in Columbus, OH
Ohio law gives grandparents limited, but meaningful, rights when it comes to visitation and custody. These situations can be complicated because, in most cases, parents have the main say in how their children are raised. Still, when family dynamics break down or a child’s safety is at risk, courts may intervene to protect a grandparent’s relationship with the child.
Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC has served Columbus, OH, for over a decade. Our dedicated Columbus family lawyers bring over 30 years of combined legal experience to every case. We understand the emotional and legal challenges grandparents face and have a strong record of success in helping families navigate them.
Our firm has earned recognition from respected legal organizations, including:
- Elite Lawyer
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars
- Lead Counsel
- TrustAnalytica Top 10 Divorce Attorneys
When you work with our firm, you’ll get one-on-one support, experienced legal guidance, and a team that’s dedicated to helping you keep a strong relationship with your grandchild. Our Columbus grandparent’s rights lawyers are ready to help you. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
When Can Grandparents Ask for Visitation in Columbus, OH?
Under Ohio Revised Code Section 3109.051, grandparents in Columbus, OH, can petition the court for visitation in three specific situations:
- When the child’s parents are getting divorced or legally separated
- When one parent of the child has passed away
- When the child is born to unmarried parents
In these circumstances, the court may grant visitation rights if it determines that:
- The grandparent has a strong and existing bond with the child
- Visitation is in the child’s best interests
- The request is reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances
Courts look at many things when deciding on grandparent rights, such as how close the grandparent and child are, what the parents want, the child’s age and emotional needs, and whether there are any safety or health concerns for the child.
How Do Courts Evaluate Grandparent Visitation Requests?
Even if your situation doesn’t fall squarely into one of the three legal categories, it may still be worth speaking with an attorney. Some grandparents—especially those who have been the main caregivers—have been able to get visitation rights in special or complicated situations.
Ohio courts take a broad view of what supports a child’s best interests. Judges often consider:
- Whether the grandparent has contributed financially to the child’s upbringing
- Involvement in the child’s education, extracurricular activities, or medical care
- Evidence of emotional closeness and frequent contact
Showing consistent routines or family traditions—like weekend visits, celebrating holidays together, or helping with homework—can help strengthen your case for visitation. Courts favor maintaining stability and continuity in a child’s life, and a grandparent’s active role often plays a key part in that equation.
Can Grandparents Get Custody of a Grandchild in Ohio?
In limited but serious situations, grandparents in Ohio can seek custody of their grandchild. This often occurs when one or both parents are unable or unwilling to provide proper care. Ohio courts follow the “best interests of the child” standard when evaluating custody requests.
If the court determines that living with a parent would place the child in danger—or that the parent has abandoned or neglected the child—it may award custody to a grandparent.
Some common grounds include:
- Parental unfitness due to abuse, neglect, addiction, or incarceration
- A history of the grandparent serving as the child’s primary caregiver
- Evidence that the grandparent can provide a stable, nurturing home environment
These custody cases are fact-intensive and require compelling documentation. At Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, we work closely with grandparents to collect medical records, school reports, and witness statements to support your case.
How Do I Get Custody of My Grandchild in an Emergency?
In some cases, a grandparent may need to act quickly to protect a child from immediate danger. Emergency or temporary custody orders can provide short-term safety while a more permanent solution is pursued. Our attorneys can help you file the necessary paperwork and advocate for you at emergency hearings.
It’s a good idea to start writing down any concerning behavior right away. Keeping notes about missed appointments, possible signs of neglect, or unstable actions by the child’s parents can help support your custody case. Courts look closely at these details when deciding if the child is in danger.
We know how hard it can be to take on the role of a parent again, but if your grandchild’s safety is at risk, we’re here to help you understand your options and take the right legal steps to protect them.
What Does the Court Consider in Grandparent’s Rights Cases?
No matter if you’re asking for visitation or trying to get custody, Ohio courts will always focus on what’s best for the child. Even if you’re a caring and involved grandparent, the court needs to see that spending time with you will help the child stay healthy, safe, and emotionally strong.
Courts in Columbus and across the state will take into account factors such as:
- The strength and consistency of your relationship with the child
- The mental, emotional, and physical health of everyone involved
- The child’s preferences (if they are mature enough to express them)
- How far you live from the child’s current residence
- Your willingness to support and respect the parents’ authority
It’s essential to come to court with clear and compelling evidence. At Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, we help you build a case that illustrates how your continued presence in the child’s life serves their best interests.
How Can You Show the Court Your Daily Role in Your Grandchild’s Life?
In some cases, the judge may appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate and represent the child’s interests in court. This neutral party will speak with family members, review records, and issue recommendations to the judge. We will ensure your side of the story is fully represented in their findings.
Even small actions—like going to school events, reading bedtime stories, or driving your grandchild to activities—can make a big difference in court. They help show how involved and committed you are to your grandchild’s growth and well-being.
Our team can help you collect and organize proof of these efforts. This might include photos, calendars, notes from teachers or caregivers, and other records that show how much you’ve been there for your grandchild. This kind of evidence can make your case much stronger.
How Can Legal Guidance Help You Avoid Common Mistakes?
When emotions run high, it’s easy to say or do things that can hurt your case. A qualified attorney can help you stay focused, organized, and respectful throughout the legal process. This professionalism makes a big difference in how judges view your claims.
Our team also helps you avoid common mistakes, such as:
- Making informal agreements that won’t hold up in court
- Failing to follow proper legal procedures
- Missing critical deadlines or court appearances
- Submitting incomplete or weak documentation
Having experienced legal support can be the difference between success and frustration.
Can Mediation Help Resolve Your Grandparent’s Rights Case Without Going to Court?
At Atkins And Atkins, Attorneys At Law, LLC, we explore every possible way to resolve disputes outside of court. Mediation allows families to reach agreements without a judge making the final decision. When that doesn’t work, we are prepared to represent you in court.
We understand how emotional these cases are. We’ll take the time to listen to your story, explain the law in simple terms, and give you an honest assessment of your case. Our goal is always to find a solution that protects your relationship with your grandchild and ensures their safety and well-being.
What Happens if Your Grandparent’s Rights Case Goes to Court?
When representing you in court, we will clearly present the facts, call relevant witnesses, and provide evidence to support your case. Our courtroom experience helps us anticipate how the judge may respond, so we can adjust strategies if needed.
Sometimes, court intervention is the only path forward. When this happens, we fight hard and stay focused on what matters most: protecting the well-being of your grandchild and the bond you’ve worked so hard to build.
Contact Our Columbus Grandparent’s Rights Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Are you being denied access to your grandchild? Have you stepped in as a caregiver because the child’s parents are no longer able to provide a safe home? You may have more rights than you realize.
Whether you’re pursuing visitation or full custody, our Columbus grandparent’s rights lawyers are ready to stand by your side. We’ll help you protect the relationship you’ve built with your grandchild and ensure your voice is heard.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Columbus grandparent’s rights attorney. We’re here to help you protect your role in your grandchild’s life.
Don’t wait until the situation gets worse. The sooner you understand your legal rights and take action, the better your chances of a successful outcome.
