Grandparent’s Rights Attorney in Sacramento

Advocating for Grandparent Visitation Sacramento & Surrounding Areas

The relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren is one of life’s most precious connections, built on love, support, and shared memories. When family dynamics shift due to divorce, separation, or the loss of a parent, that vital bond can be put at risk. 

In California, the law recognizes the importance of these relationships and provides a path for grandparents to seek court-ordered visitation. Pursuing your rights can feel like a difficult step, but you do not have to face this challenge alone.

At Kaslan & Pike, LLP, we understand the deep emotional weight of these situations. Our firm was built on a foundation of providing strong, compassionate advocacy for families during life’s most difficult transitions. We use a team-based approach to every case, which means you benefit from our entire team’s collective insight and experience. We offer the honest, straightforward guidance you need to understand your options and work toward a positive outcome for you and your grandchild.

To discuss your case with a grandparents’ rights attorney in Sacramento, call (916) 957-1302 or contact us online.

Understanding Grandparent Visitation Rights in California

In California, grandparents do not have an automatic right to see their grandchildren. Instead, the law allows you to petition the court for reasonable visitation. To be successful, the court generally requires you to prove two key things. 

First, you must show that there is a pre-existing relationship between you and your grandchild that has created a bond. The court will want to see that your involvement is a positive force in the child's life and that losing this connection would be detrimental.

Second, and most importantly, the court’s decision will be based on the "best interest of the child." This is the legal standard that guides all custody and visitation matters. The judge must balance your request against the parents’ fundamental right to make decisions for their children. The court operates under the presumption that fit parents act in their children's best interests. 

Our role at Kaslan & Pike, LLP is to present a clear and compelling case that demonstrates how maintaining your relationship serves your grandchild’s health, safety, and overall well-being, providing a convincing reason for the court to grant visitation.

Common Scenarios & Navigating the Legal Process

Grandparents may seek visitation rights under specific circumstances. The most common situations include when the grandchild’s parents are not living together or when a family law case, such as a divorce or paternity action, is already underway. Under California Family Code § 3104, these conditions allow a grandparent to petition the court for visitation. Another frequent scenario arises when one parent has passed away, and the grandparents wish to maintain a consistent presence in the child’s life.

The legal process begins with filing a Request for Order, formally asking the court to grant visitation. The court will then schedule mediation and, if needed, a hearing. It’s important to note that obtaining visitation is much more difficult if the parents are married and jointly oppose the request, as California law gives significant weight to the decisions of an intact family unit.

While the process can be complex, understanding these steps and terms can help clarify what to expect when pursuing visitation rights.