Third Party Visitation
Any person may petition the Court for the right of visitation with any minor child provided a parent-like relationship exists between the Petitioner and the minor child and real and significant harm would result if visitation was denied. If the Court finds, after a hearing and by clear and convincing evidence, that a parent-like relationship exists between the Petitioner and the minor child and denial of visitation would cause real and significant harm, it may grant rights of visitation to the Petitioner.
In determining whether a parent-like relationship exists, the Court may consider, but is not limited to, the following:
- The existence and length of the relationship between the Petitioner and the minor child prior to submitting the petition
- The length of time the relationship has been disrupted
- Specific parent-like activities of the Petitioner
- Any evidence that Petitioner has undermined the authority and discretion of the custodial parent
- Significant absence of a parent from the child’s life
- Death of one of the child’s parents
- Physical separation of the minor child’s parents
- Fitness of the person seeking visitation
- Fitness of the custodial parent
- History of regular contact and proof of a close and substantial relationship
Visitation rights granted in accordance with the above do not create parental rights in the person seeking such visitation, nor does it provide grounds for preventing relocation of the custodial parent.
My expertise can help you achieve the best results for you and your family. For more information contact me at 203-544-9945 or beth@eedwardslaw.com.
