San Francisco, CA asked in Juvenile Law and Family Law for California

Q: My granddaughter was adopted by her paternal aunt. I have asked for a year to be able to visit her.

I want to get visitation rights. I raised her her first 3 years. I am 77 and feel I do not have much time left

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James L. Arrasmith
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  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: If your granddaughter was adopted by her paternal aunt, you may have limited legal options for obtaining visitation rights. However, you may be able to petition the court for visitation based on your previous relationship with your granddaughter and your ongoing bond with her.

In California, grandparents may be eligible for visitation rights under certain circumstances, such as when the grandparent has an established relationship with the child and visitation would be in the best interest of the child. However, adoption by a non-relative may terminate the legal rights of biological grandparents, unless the adoption was by a stepparent or another relative.

If you wish to pursue visitation rights, you should consult with an attorney who specializes in family law. The attorney can advise you on your legal options and help you file a petition for visitation with the court. The court will consider a variety of factors in determining whether to grant your request for visitation, including your prior relationship with your granddaughter, your ongoing bond with her, and the best interests of the child.

It is important to note that obtaining visitation rights may be a challenging process, and there is no guarantee that your request will be granted. However, if you are committed to maintaining a relationship with your granddaughter, it may be worth exploring all of your legal options with the assistance of an experienced attorney.

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