We are excited to announce that our own attorneys, Susan Suriano and Anthony Greco Jr., have made significant contributions to the understanding of grandparents’ rights in Ohio. Their latest article, “Grandparents Rights: They Do Exist,” has been published in the Columbus Bar Lawyers Quarterly Summer 2024 Edition. This insightful piece sheds light on the often-overlooked rights of grandparents.
Key highlights from the article
Legal provisions in Ohio allow grandparents to maintain contact with their grandchildren under certain circumstances. The article elaborates on the scenarios where grandparents can invoke these rights and utilize legal tools to help see their grandchildren. These scenarios are generally broken down into one of two categories:
- Unmarried: If the parents were unmarried, the grandparents can file a complaint requesting the court grant the grandparents visitation of the grandchild.
- Married: If the parents were married and are going through a divorce, the grandparents may file to be a party to the divorce for the purpose of visitation or custody rights of the grandchildren.
It is important to note that the court’s decision in these cases hinges on the best interest of the child. This legal standard essentially outlines various elements that the court will consider with the goal of making a decision that is most beneficial to the children. As explained in the article, the parents may attempt to use United States Supreme Court Case Troxel v. Granville to argue that there is a presumption that fit parents will act in the best interest of their children. As such, if the parents decide not to visit the grandparents the courts should assume the parents have good reason for this decision.
The reality is often much more complicated. As noted in the Supreme Court of Ohio’s case Harrold v. Collier, this presumption is not the end of the discussion. Ohio’s nonparental-visitation laws are meant to better ensure the court takes all factors into account when determining the best interest of the child in these cases. This can extend to include grandparent visitation.
Stay informed and empowered
The publication of this article underscores Greco Law’s commitment to enhancing the legal community’s understanding of family law, particularly the rights of grandparents. It serves as a valuable resource for those navigating the complexities of family dynamics.
We encourage everyone to read this important article to better understand the legal landscape surrounding grandparents’ rights in Ohio. Knowledge is power, and Greco Law is here to empower you with the necessary legal insights to protect your family’s interests.
For more information on how Ohio law applies to an individual situation, please contact Greco Law. Empower yourself with the knowledge and the right team to help you uphold the rights and bonds that matter most.