Do Grandparents Have Visitation Rights? Understanding Grandparents' Rights in Oregon.

Grandparents' rights in Oregon are difficult because there is a presumption that the legal parent (mother or father) acts in the best interest of the child. Thus, if a parent objects to grandparents having visitation or custody of a child, the grandparent must overcome the presumption the legal parent’s decision is in the best interest of the child. This is very difficult to do because the law puts great weight on parents' rights to make decisions about their children. In determining whether to award custody or visitation to a grandparent, the court may consider several factors such as whether the grandparent has been the child’s primary caretaker; whether it would be detrimental to the child if the relief is denied; whether the legal parent has fostered and/or unreasonably denied the relationship between the child and the grandparent; and whether the legal parent is unwilling or unable to care adequately for the child.
In 2011 (See link HERE), the Oregon Court of Appeals denied the grandparents’ petition for visitation rights of their grandchild, despite grandparents being the child’s foster parents for over a year when the parents were unable to care for the child. The court found grandparents had not proven the child would face a "serious present risk of harm" if visitation were denied. Grandparents also did not show the child's relationship with his parents would not be harmed if their request for visitation were granted.
The above result is not uncommon in Oregon but every case is very different due to the unique set of circumstances families face. If you are a grandparent or another third party with questions about visitation or custody of a child you should contact Gevurtz Menashe today. Our qualified attorneys specialize in many areas of family law, including third party custody and visitation rights, in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. Call 503-227-1515 for our Portland office or 360-823-0410 for our Vancouver office today!
Paige De Muniz, Shareholder