Can a Grandparent seek visitation or Custody in Colorado?
In the state of Colorado, grandparents do have legal options to seek visitation or custody under certain circumstances. However, laws can change and it’s recommended to consult with an attorney or legal expert for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
In Colorado, grandparents can potentially seek visitation rights if it is in the best interests of the child and certain conditions are met.
Colorado law provides several methods by which grandparents may seek visitation, or even custody under the right conditions:
- Grandparent visitation,
- Grandparent placement/custody in a dependency & neglect proceeding involving DHS, or
- Grandparent custody with a showing of being psychological parents.
Grandparents can generally seek visitation if their child has died, if there is an open custody case, or the child(ren) are living with a third party and not a parent.
For custody, it’s usually more complex. Colorado law typically prefers to award custody to parents, but in cases where parents are deemed unfit or if other exceptional circumstances exist, grandparents might be able to pursue custody. If the child(ren) have lived with the grandparents or have close bonds such that the grandparents have “stepped into” the role of a parent, it is possible to gain custody.
It’s important to note that family law matters can be intricate and case-specific. If you are a grandparent seeking visitation or custody in Colorado, it’s strongly recommended to consult with a family law attorney who is familiar with the current laws and can provide guidance tailored to your situation. Laws and regulations can change, and legal professionals are equipped to give you accurate advice and assistance based on the most recent developments.
