Tennessee Grandparents' Rights Attorney

Securing Custody & Visitation Rights for Grandparents in Tennessee 

Grandparents' have a unique relationship with their grandchildren and can offer an important link to their family history. Unfortunately, some parents use this relationship as leverage to manipulate their parents’ assets or resources. They may also take their strained relationship with their own parents out on their children, preventing their kids from developing a bond with their grandparents'.

Seeking visitation rights or child custody as a grandparent can be challenging, but we’re here to help. At Peterson White LLP, we know that it may be an uphill battle, but we’re ready to fight alongside you. Our attorneys have years of experience working with a variety of cases that include paternity law, juvenile law and termination of parental rights. She will work closely with you through every step of the case to make sure you understand your options and feel accurately represented.

Call us today at 855-919-4124 or email us to discuss your case.

Petition for Visitation Rights

Tennessee courts will consider a grandparent’s petition for visitation in these situations:

• The child has had a regular bond with the grandparent for at least 12 months and maintaining this bond is in the child’s best interest
• One or both of the child’s parents has died
• The child lived with the grandparent for at least 12 months
• The child’s parents were never married or have separated or divorced
• Another state has awarded you the legal right to visit your grandchildren
• One or both of the child’s parents has been missing for at least six months

The grandparent must prove in court that at least one of the factors above is present, that the child will be subject to emotional harm if the relationship with you ends and/or that the loss of the grandparent relationship puts the child in harm’s way.

Asserting Your Rights as a Grandparent

Whenever possible, the court tries to make decisions based on whatever is best for the child. If the parents are considered fit guardians, their decision to limit grandparents’ access to their child is taken into consideration during visitation and custody cases. However, if a grandparent feels they are being unfairly kept from their grandchildren, the court may still take their claims into account.

The same is true for grandparents' who want to adopt their grandchildren. While this is even more difficult to establish, it is possible. If a grandparent seeks legal custody, they must not only prove that the parents are unfit caregivers, but also that they, the grandparents', have the financial and physical wellness to care for the child.

Common reasons a grandparent may seek custody of a child include:

• Physical or sexual abuse from the parents
• Drug use and addiction within the home
• Parents have died
• The parents consent to grandparent custody
• The parents do not have physical custody of the child
• The parents have mental impairments that prevent them from carrying out their role as provider and guardian
• One or both parents have been incarcerated
• The parents of the child cannot be found
• Other extenuating circumstances

Peterson White LLP is equipped to help you through family mediation and, if necessary, represent you in litigation. Our Tennessee lawyers are knowledgeable and experienced enough to offer informative, honest and empathetic guidance.

When what matters most is at stake, call Peterson White LLP. We’re here for you in your most difficult moments.

Every minute matters when it comes to being with your family. Call us today at 855-919-4124 or email us to discuss your case.