Family Law Attorney Sheryl Edgar: Part 2 discussion grandparent visitation rights in California, specifically addresses stepparent adoption criteria.
Sheryl Edgar gave me the nudge that I needed to become actively involved in child-grandparent advocacy. As seen in this video clip, she casually throws out the idea of me changing a law in order to see my grandchild. That conversation took place in 2003 and once I figured it out three years later, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed my bill into law.
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I would like information on how to obtain visitation with my grandson. A form to file, a lawyer to speak to and how much, or what ever I need to do. thank you very much. Liz
To whom, I am trying to frind information on the rights of grandparents to protect our grandson for a son who suffer for PTSD and TB injuries because of the war in Iraq.. Further their mother suffers for a Bi polar illness and refuses help under the present mental health law….please reply…… We are new to California….
Dear Bill & Cathy,
I suggest that you review the statutes in Cal. Family code either through the link on our website, or go to http://www.ca.gov,
I will tell you this as long as the parents are married and living together in an “INTACT” household, grandparents do not have standing in a court of law. I urge you to consult with a family law attorney to determine your options.
My two grandchildren are being taken away from my daughter and her husband by a lady that has ten foster children in her home and has had molestation occur in her house.
What kind of laws are there in California for getting our grandchildren back?
Dear Pat,
Thank you for contacting, and we are sorry for your situation. I suggest that you consult with a family law attorney.
The grandparent statutes in California are 3100-3105 and can be found either by navigating on our NEWS page, and LEGINFO or go to http://www.Ca.gov
Once social services gets involved, it becomes complicated because now another agency is in the equation.
I am frustrated because I do not get to see my grandson. His mother and my son were never married and she plays games with me as to if I can see him or not and she wants to dictate as to what we do and say around him. She does not want me to mention his father. My son, his father does not get to see him and I don’t know all the details, but I want to see him. My son still pays child support, but can only call him and when he calls he never gets to talk to him. Please send me any free information that you may have as to how I can go to court to get visitation rights and over night visitation rights if possible. I live in Stockton, CA and they live in El Sobrante, CA. I would love to get as much information as possible. I am ready to fight for my rights! Thanks for your time.
I can understand your frustration, this dysfunctional behavior keeps everyone off-balance, and is not healthy for your grandson. I highly recommend that you seek legal counsel, preferably a family law attorney with grandparent visitation experience. Your son should also seek court ordered visitation.
If you go to our NEWS page, click on leginfo and it will take you into the state of Cal. gov. site and the grandparent statutes, 3100-3105.
I would like to find out what papers I need to file in Shast County, Redding, California so that I can go to court and get my rights as a grandparent. My daughter and I do not get along and she is keeping the kids from me. Any help you could be would be greatly appreciated. What do I need to to. I am lost. I have go to the Superior Court Website to try to find forms and have been unsuccessful.
Dear Rita,
Yes, the self help section is difficult to navigate. We are happy to help by giving you the list of forms needed within the packet, however since Shasta County does NOT have a local grandparent petition form, that makes the process more complicated, since pleadings will need to be filed. I suggest for that section that you consult a paralegal. We are submitting requests for forms to courts all over Cal. and so far, only Sacramento and Orange County have them.
I suggest that you request Shasta to also adopt a GP form, saves money.
Some of the forms needed for GP visitation filing: FL-105,110, 300, 310, 311 and a local dec. form, which you need to ask about.