Charlotte Grandparents Rights Lawyers
Protecting the Interests of Grandparents From Our Offices Located in Charlotte, Waxhaw & Lake Norman, NC
Here at Blood Law, PLLC, we understand it can be heartbreaking when you are removed from the lives of your grandchildren. No matter what the reason, whether one parent does not want the child(ren) to see you or there is a long history of strife within the family, this separation could be devastating to everyone involved.
Do you have grandparents’ rights? Can you get visitation — or even custody— in a case like yours? What recourse do you have? Our attorneys are here to help you navigate your questions and concerns to protect your rights as a grandparent.
Our grandparent's rights attorneys at Blood Law, PLLC are here to guide you every step of the way, up until the day you feel your family law case is complete and beyond.
What Factors Determine How the Court Will Consider Visitation Time
State laws vary, but the parents’ wishes regarding visitation are generally respected, except in cases where the loss of visitation would not be in the grandchild’s best interest. For instance, if you raised the grandchildren or are currently a big influence on their lives, the court would view this in your favor.
The courts typically will not be sympathetic if you already have visitation privileges but request additional time with your grandchildren. This will be more difficult if contact would be burdensome on the parents – in the event you live far away.
Understanding Grandparents' Rights in North Carolina
Grandparents play an important role in the lives of their grandchildren, and in some cases, they may seek legal assistance to protect their visitation rights. In North Carolina, grandparents have the right to petition the court for visitation with their grandchildren under certain circumstances. Our experienced attorneys at Blood Law, PLLC can provide guidance and representation for grandparents seeking visitation rights.
Factors that may influence the court's decision on grandparents' visitation rights include:
- The relationship between the grandparent and the grandchild
- The impact of visitation on the child's well-being
- The willingness of the grandparent to facilitate a relationship with the child's parents
- The reasons for the denial of visitation by the child's parent(s)
If you are a grandparent seeking visitation with your grandchild, it is important to consult with a knowledgeable grandparents' rights attorney in North Carolina. We are dedicated to protecting the interests of grandparents and helping them navigate the legal process to secure visitation with their grandchildren.
Child Custody & Grandparents Rights
In the most extreme cases, you might go beyond visitation rights if you feel the grandchild’s parents are unfit to raise and care for him/her.
You can replace your grandchild’s parents as the primary caregiver if you have found the parents to be unfit due to:
- Drug and substance abuse
- Child abuse
- Mental instability
- Inability to provide safe housing
- Inability to contribute to child support
- Inability to protect the child from harm
North Carolina courts automatically consider it in a child’s best interest to remain with his/her parents.
If only one parent is proven an unfit caregiver and the other is not, you will have a more difficult time obtaining child custody. Your first step in navigating custody rights is to make an appointment with a reputable grandparent's rights lawyer to determine your options.
How Do I Request Visitation?
You can request visitation by filing out a petition in the district court in the county where your grandchild resides. If you already have a grandparent visitation order, but would like to modify or enforce it, you can ask the court for assistance. You must show a change of circumstances to do so.
Consult with a Grandparent's Rights Attorney in NC
It is important to understand your rights as a grandparent and have someone in your corner willing to fight for you and your family. Our Charlotte grandparent's rights lawyers understand what it takes to help you get the results you deserve. We offer a compassionate approach to clients in their time of need.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I request visitation as a grandparent?
You can request visitation by filing out a petition in the district court in the county where your grandchild resides. If you already have a grandparent visitation order, but would like to modify or enforce it, you can ask the court for assistance. You must show a change of circumstances to do so.
What rights do grandparents have in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, grandparents have the right to request visitation or, in extreme cases, seek custody if they feel the grandchild’s parents are unfit to raise and care for him/her. However, the courts automatically consider it in a child’s best interest to remain with his/her parents. If you believe the parents are unfit, it's essential to consult with a grandparent's rights attorney to understand your options.
Can a parent deny a grandparent visitation in NC?
In North Carolina, grandparents do not have an automatic legal right to visitation with their grandchildren. If a parent denies a grandparent visitation, the grandparent may choose to petition the court for visitation rights.
In such cases, the court will consider various factors, including the existing relationship between the grandparent and grandchild, the reasons for the denial of visitation by the parent, and the potential impact of visitation on the child's well-being.
How can I navigate custody rights as a grandparent?
If only one parent is proven an unfit caregiver and the other is not, you will have a more difficult time obtaining child custody. Your first step in navigating custody rights is to make an appointment with a reputable grandparent's rights lawyer to determine your options. It is important to understand your rights as a grandparent and have someone in your corner willing to fight for you and your family.
Do grandparents of adopted children have rights?
In North Carolina, grandparents' rights regarding visitation or custody of adopted children can be complex and may depend on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the adoption and the relationship between the grandparents and the adopted child.
Generally, if a child is adopted, the legal relationship between the child and their biological family members, including grandparents, is typically severed. This means that after the adoption is finalized, the legal rights of the biological grandparents are often terminated, and they may no longer have standing to seek visitation or custody of the adopted child.
Our Promise To Our Clients
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With 7 offices across North Carolina & South Carolina, we make it easier for families to find quality legal counsel.
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With the complexities of family law, we put the well-being and safety of your children at the forefront of your case.
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When you work with Blood Law, PLLC, you work with our entire team. Everyone is here to support you through each step.
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We create personalized plans for each client while setting realistic expectations on the possible outcomes of the case.
Our Clients Tell Their Stories
These Stories Are What Keep Us Going
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Blood Law, PLLC provided excellent service, demonstrating professionalism and personal attention to detail in preparing a separation agreement. They guided me through the process and answered all questions quickly. Highly recommend!- Debra K.
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Wonderful boutique law firm! Great service along with great communication. I’m extremely grateful for Anna's help in my time of need.- Olivia L.
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I owe so much gratitude to Blood Law, PLLC for their assistance in my divorce. They are very knowledgeable about the law, local courts, and judges. I'm excited they opened an office in Charlotte, closer to Mecklenburg County! Definitely contact Blood Law if you need a caring, dedicated attorney.- Penny N.
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Blood Law welcomes each client and prospective client with warmth and great understanding. From the first interaction to the last, you will be in great hands the entire way. They keep you informed throughout the entire process, and lead with experience. The staff at Blood Law will exceed your expectations!- Former Client
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Anna Blood and her team and phenomenal. They fought for me and my children in and outside of the courtroom. I would highly recommend Blood Law for your any family law issues!!- Liz D.
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Blood Law, PLLC is extremely trustworthy and understanding, perfect for any family law situation you may encounter. Their team is attentive and focused on quick and easy resolutions and doesn’t drag things out just to make more money.- Sean F.
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Blood Law, PLLC is a joy to work with! Extremely talented, down to earth, and understanding, they provide the best professional guidance and protect your legal interests.- Jennifer W.
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Anna really helped me out during a situation that wasn't necessarily easy to get through. A phenomenal, understanding and dedicated attorney, but yet an even better person. I would truly recommend her to anyone that has to deal with any situation similar dealing with family law to mine!- Former Client
Meet Our Team
Over 125 Years of Combined Experience
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Anna N. Blood Founder and Managing Attorney
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Olivia Lowery Senior Attorney
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Alicen Rodolph Senior Attorney
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Genesis Gonzales Associate Attorney
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Trey Schopen Associate Attorney
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Brittney Slade Associate Attorney
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Liz Whitaker Paralegal
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Jehan Al Rifaie Paralegal
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Jennifer Watkins Paralegal
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Helene Carras Executive Director
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Laura McFry Account Manager
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Tatum True Director of Communications
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Hailey Arico Case Manager
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Leigh Hill Client Relations Coordinator
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Lilli Ball Legal Assistant/Intake Specialist
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Morgan Fisher Paralegal
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Lindsay Hanson Client Relations Coordinator