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Do grandparents have visitation rights in California?

CArosa_p1 month ago

His parents want court-ordered visitation with our kids. We don't agree. Can they force it?

1 reply

✓ Verified answer from a licensed attorney — shown first

Daniel Okafor avatarDaniel OkaforVerified Attorney1 month ago

CA Family Code §3104 lets grandparents petition for visitation but the bar is high — there must be a pre-existing bond such that visitation is in the child's best interest, AND the court must balance that against parental rights. If BOTH parents oppose the visitation, there's a strong presumption against it. If only one parent opposes, the analysis is more open. Most grandparent petitions where both parents object don't go far. Not advice on your case.

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Please readThis is a community space for sharing personal experience — it is not legal advice, and posts here are not from Lawma or your attorney. We strongly encourage you to post under an anonymous handle, keep questions general, and avoid posting private details of your active case. For advice about your own situation, message your attorney.