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Bill

A 4978

Relates to the visitation rights of great-grandparents

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vivian Cook and 2 co-sponsors

Bill A 4978 allows great-grandparents to petition for visitation rights with great-grandchildren, fostering family bonds during parental separation or loss.

REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
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Bill Summary · A 4978

Summary of Bill A 4978: Visitation Rights of Great-Grandparents

Bill Number: A 4978
Title: Relates to the visitation rights of great-grandparents
Status: Referred to Judiciary
Introduced: February 10, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill A 4978 aims to establish and clarify the visitation rights of great-grandparents in relation to their great-grandchildren. The intent of the bill is to recognize the importance of maintaining familial bonds across generations, particularly in cases where great-grandparents wish to have a relationship with their great-grandchildren.

Key Provisions

  • Visitation Rights: The bill proposes that great-grandparents may petition for visitation rights in family court under specific circumstances. This includes situations where:

    • The parents of the child are divorced or separated.
    • One parent is deceased.
    • The child has been placed in foster care or is under guardianship.

  • Best Interest of the Child: Any decision regarding visitation will be made with the child's best interest as the primary consideration. The court will evaluate factors such as:

    • The existing relationship between the great-grandparent and the child.
    • The emotional and developmental needs of the child.
    • Any potential disruption to the child's life.

  • Legal Process: The bill outlines the legal process for great-grandparents to file for visitation, including necessary documentation and potential hearings.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Great-Grandparents: The primary beneficiaries of this bill would be great-grandparents seeking to maintain or establish a relationship with their great-grandchildren.

  • Families: The bill may impact families undergoing changes such as divorce, separation, or loss of a parent, as it provides a legal avenue for great-grandparents to seek visitation.

  • Family Courts: The bill would also affect family courts, which would need to handle additional cases related to great-grandparent visitation rights.

Procedural Aspects

  • Current Status: As of February 10, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

  • Related Legislation: This bill is part of a broader legislative context, with several related bills from prior sessions (A 3458, A 6151, A 6887, A 4538, A 3790) that may address similar issues regarding family visitation rights.

Conclusion

Bill A 4978 seeks to enhance the legal framework surrounding family visitation rights, specifically for great-grandparents. By allowing them to petition for visitation under certain conditions, the bill aims to strengthen family ties and ensure that great-grandchildren can benefit from the presence of their great-grandparents in their lives. The bill is currently under review by the Judiciary Committee, and its progress will be monitored as it moves through the legislative process.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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