Learn: Do Grandparents Have Rights in Nevada?

Grandparents talking to grandchildren in their Henderson, NV yard

Grandparents have a special bond with their grandchildren, but in certain cases, they may have to fight for visitation rights. It’s essential to understand when grandparents can file for child custody in Nevada and what laws regulate the process. At Smith Legal Group, we frequently receive questions from grandparents seeking legal advice on custody and visitation issues. In this blog post, we’ll cover the reasons why grandparents can file for custody of their grandchild, their rights when a parent is in jail, and how they can apply for visitation rights.

Reasons Grandparents Can File for Custody of Grandchild

In Nevada, grandparents can file for custody of their grandchild if the child’s parents are divorced, deceased, or if the parents neglect their responsibilities. The best interest of the child is always the priority in these cases. If it’s deemed that the child is at risk of harm or abuse, grandparents can file for custody. Also, if the parent has a history of drug or alcohol abuse or has a mental illness that makes him or her unfit to care for the child, grandparents can file for custody.

Grandparents’ Rights When the Parent is in Jail

When a parent is incarcerated, grandparents may also petition the court for temporary or permanent custody of the child. The grandparents need to prove that it’s in the best interest of the child to stay in their custody while the parent is incarcerated. In cases where the grandparent already has custody, the incarcerated parent could still file for visitation rights, but the court would consider the child’s safety and wellbeing first.

How to Apply for Grandparents’ Rights

To apply for grandparents’ rights in Nevada, the grandparent needs to file a petition with the court in the county where the child resides. The judge may grant legal custody or visitation rights based on the best interest of the child. The grandparent needs to prove that he or she has a significant relationship with the child and that it’s in the child’s best interest to have visitation or custody with the grandparent. The grandparent must also have a clear reason why it may not be in the child’s best interest to deny visitation or custody to the grandparent.

Hiring a Family Lawyer for Grandparents’ Rights

Grandparents seeking custody or visitation rights may benefit from hiring an experienced family lawyer who knows the Nevada laws and the legal process. The lawyer can help the grandparent build a strong case and present the evidence in court. The lawyer can also negotiate with the parent’s attorney to reach a settlement agreement that benefits all parties. Having a skilled family lawyer can increase the chances of obtaining a positive outcome in your case.

What to Do if You Are Denied Contact with Your Grandchild in Nevada

Being denied contact with your grandchild can be heartbreaking. You may feel like your hands are tied and there is nothing you can do to change the situation. However, there are legal options available to grandparents in Nevada. If you are in this difficult situation, it is essential that you reach out to a family law attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. Here are steps you can take if you are denied contact with your grandchild in Nevada.

Know Your Rights

As a grandparent in Nevada, you have certain rights when it comes to visiting your grandchild. In the state of Nevada, grandparents can petition the court for visitation rights under certain circumstances. These include when the grandchild’s parents are divorced, one parent is deceased, or the child has lived with the grandparent for six months or more. If you believe your situation meets one of these criteria, it’s important to speak with a family law attorney who can help you evaluate your options.

Understand the Legal Process

If you decide to move forward with petitioning the court for visitation rights, it’s important to understand the legal process. First, you will need to file a petition for visitation with the court. Then, the court will schedule a hearing. This hearing will allow you to present evidence to the court that demonstrates why you should be granted visitation rights. During this hearing, both you and the child’s parents will have the opportunity to present your case.

Collect Evidence

To increase your chances of success, it’s important to collect evidence that supports your case. This may include documentation showing the length of your relationship with your grandchild, photographs of you with your grandchild, and any evidence that shows you were acting as a caregiver to the child. Additionally, it can be helpful to have testimony from other family members or friends who can speak to your relationship with the child and confirm that you had a meaningful, ongoing relationship prior to being denied contact.

Stay Persistent

It’s important to remember that the legal process can be lengthy and frustrating. It may take several court appearances before a decision is reached. However, it’s important to stay persistent and dedicated to your cause. If you truly believe that you have a meaningful relationship with your grandchild, it’s important to continue fighting for visitation rights. With the help of an experienced family law attorney, you can navigate this process and work towards the outcome you desire.

Legal Orders Available to Grandparents to Help Protect Their Rights

There are several legal orders available to grandparents in Nevada to help protect their rights and their relationship with their grandchild. Here are the four most common ones:

Special Guardianship Order

This order appoints you as the ‘Special Guardian’ of your grandchild until they turn 18. It means that you’ll be responsible for making decisions about your grandchild’s welfare, including where they live and go to school. You’ll also have the power to consent to medical treatment and apply for passports on their behalf.

Child Arrangement Order

This order is made by the court to decide where the child should live. It can include provisions such as the frequency and duration of contact with the grandparents. However, note that this order does not allow you to make decisions about your grandchild’s welfare. That remains the responsibility of the parents.

Kinship Foster Care

If the parents are unable to care for their child, and it’s been determined that it’s not safe for the child to remain with them, the court may award custody to a relative, including a grandparent. This type of placement is called “kinship foster care.” A grandparent in kinship foster care will be provided with financial assistance for the care of the child.

Adoption

This is a permanent legal solution that usually breaks the link between the grandchild and their birth parents. In an adoption, the grandparent becomes the legal parent of the child, and the birth parents’ rights are terminated. In such cases, the grandparent would have full legal custody, making all decisions about the child’s care.

Reaching an Agreement

It is always advisable for you to attempt to reach an agreement directly with your grandchild’s parents before taking any legal action. Court proceedings should always be a last resort. If you wish to seek a legal order, it’s recommended that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. A family law attorney can advise you about the best course of action and any likely outcomes and represent you in court if necessary.

Understanding the Differences between Custody and Visitation Rights for Nevada’s Paternal and Maternal Grandparents

Paternal and maternal grandparents have equal rights when it comes to petitioning for custody. The court will consider factors such as the child’s relationship with the grandparent, the child’s relationships with immediate family members, the stability of the child’s current living situation, and the grandparent’s ability to provide for the child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.

There is no legal difference between the visitation rights of paternal and maternal grandparents. In order to petition for visitation rights, a grandparent must demonstrate that they have a pre-existing relationship with the child that is beneficial to the child’s well-being, and that a denial of visitation would be detrimental to the child’s emotional or physical health. Other factors that may be considered include the reasons for the denial of visitation by the legal custodian, the grandparent’s willingness, and ability to foster a relationship with the child’s parent, and the effect of the proposed visitation on the child’s schedule.

Mediation and Out-of-Court Agreements

It’s important to note that custody and visitation disputes involving grandparents can be emotionally charged and can strain family relationships. Before filing a petition with the court, grandparents may want to consider alternative dispute resolution methods such as mediation or family therapy to work out any differences with the parents or legal custodians and come up with a parenting plan that works for everyone involved.

In some cases, grandparents and legal custodians may be able to come to a mutually agreeable visitation schedule without the need for court intervention. However, it’s always important to have a formal agreement in writing to avoid future disputes, and to ensure that the agreement is enforceable. Our family law attorneys at Smith Legal Group can help you negotiate and draft a visitation agreement that meets your needs and protects your relationship with your grandchild.

Contact Smith Legal Group in Henderson to Get Help with Grandparents’ Rights for Custody

Grandparents’ rights to custody and visitation are crucial in certain cases where the parents are not fit to raise the child. Nevada laws give grandparents the option to file for custody or visitation rights when it’s in the best interest of the child. If you’re a grandparent seeking custody or visitation, speak with an experienced family lawyer who can guide you through the legal process and represent your best interests in court. At Smith Legal Group, our experienced family lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of grandparents’ rights and provide you with the legal representation you need. Please contact the Smith Legal Group in Henderson, NV, for a free consultation at 702-410-5001.