Crowley Grandparent Rights Lawyer

Trusted Grandparent Rights Attorney in Crowley

Navigating family legal matters can be complicated regardless of the context. Matters can become even more complex in cases involving family members beyond the biological parents. If you’re a grandparent who needs help securing legal rights over a grandchild, it’s wise to work with a Crowley grandparent rights lawyer who understands Louisiana’s family laws.

The right legal representation can make all the difference in a grandparent rights case. If you’re worried about the safety of your grandchildren, an attorney can help you stand up for their interests.

Schnaars Law Firm, LLC brings decades of family law experience to the table that we’re ready to put to work for you. Our Crowley family lawyers understand how much is at stake when it comes to your family. We’re proud to be a local firm that offers the support our clients need throughout their cases.

Louisiana Grandparent Rights Laws

Grandparents have various rights under Louisiana law depending on the family situation. In Crowley, 17% of the population is 65 and older. Additionally, around 27% of households are led by a single adult. Some of these adults include grandparents raising their grandchildren.

Instead of placing a child in foster care, many family members prefer to raise the child themselves. This is also called kinship care, something that affects 4% of all children in the United States.

Fortunately, there has been an increase in foster children living with kin, from 26% in 2006 to 35% in 2021. This means that it is not unheard of for grandparents to obtain custody of their children, especially when their safety is in jeopardy.

There are a number of different situations that can lead to a grandparent gaining custody of a child. If both parents agree to the change in custody, they can sign a Voluntary Transfer of Custody.

The judge must approve any further changes in custody. Regardless of the situation, you can expect to handle these types of cases through the Family Court division of the 15th Judicial District Court.

Grandparents can also petition the court for visitation rights under certain circumstances. When parents file for divorce, grandparents stand to lose access to their grandchildren.

Under Louisiana law, they may ask for reasonable visitation rights. It’s wise to hire a grandparent rights lawyer to help you navigate your case.

Louisiana’s grandparent rights laws exist to protect children regardless of their family’s dynamic. Unfortunately, not every family has healthy relationships with one another.

When children are brought into the mix, things can get even messier. It’s important that you understand your rights and legal options as a grandparent.

Hire a Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer You Can Trust

Louisiana’s grandparent rights laws affect children and their families. If you’re seeking custody or visitation rights over your grandchild in Acadia Parish or surrounding areas, it’s wise to hire a grandparent rights lawyer with experience navigating these types of cases.

For the last 25 years, Schnaars Law Firm, LLC has been serving Louisiana families in their times of need. As a local boutique law firm, we offer hands-on support and advocacy throughout your case.

Attorney Dyan Schnaars has built a stellar reputation as a trustworthy local attorney. You can count on her and the rest of the team to be there to see you through any family legal matters. Over the years, our firm has earned:

• The Acadiana Advocate’s Acadiana’s Choice Award
• The Louisiana State Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Award
• The Lafayette Bar Association’s Outstanding Attorney Award
• NAFLA’s Top 10 Attorneys under 40*

The right legal representation can help you preserve the relationships that matter most. As an experienced firm, we know how to navigate these cases and protect our clients every step of the way.

FAQs

What Legal Rights Do Grandparents Have Under Louisiana Law?

The legal rights grandparents have under Louisiana law are limited to non-parent custody rights and visitation rights. Non-parent custody gives a grandparent temporary or long-term custody of the child.

The biological parents may still have some rights, but they essentially take over caring for the child. Non-parent visitation gives grandparents the right to spend time with their grandchild even if a biological parent limits or denies access to them.

When Can Grandparents in Crowley Receive Court-Ordered Visitation Rights?

Grandparents in Crowley can receive court-ordered visitation rights depending on the situation. A grandparent can be granted visitation if the:

• A parent has died
• Biological parents are unreasonably denying/restricting access
• A child is born outside of a marriage, and paternity is established
• Grandparents have an ongoing relationship with the child
• A visitation order is in the child’s best interest and doesn’t interfere with their relationship with their parents

When Can a Grandparent Get Custody of a Child in Crowley?

A grandparent can get custody of a child in Crowley depending on their family’s dynamic. In order to be granted non-parent custody, you must prove that the child’s biological parent is unfit or unable to provide the proper care.

The non-parent also must have a genuine commitment to caring for the child. Louisiana courts make decisions based on the best interests of the child, so it’s important to prove that non-parent custody is in the child’s best interest.

When Can Grandparent Rights Be Terminated in Crowley?

Grandparent rights can be terminated in Crowley depending on the unique facts of the situation. You can typically expect rights to be terminated if a legal parent decides to terminate them. It’s possible to revoke provisional custody or terminate court-ordered visitation.

In the event a child is adopted by someone other than a biological parent, grandparent rights are terminated automatically.

Hire a Grandparent Rights Lawyer from a Counsel That Cares

Navigating family legal matters can be difficult even in situations where everyone wants to be on the same side. It’s not uncommon for challenges to arise, which is why it’s wise to hire a grandparent rights lawyer to help you understand your rights and legal options.

If you’re involved in a grandparent rights case in Crowley or surrounding areas, you can turn to Schnaars Law Firm, LLC. If you’re not sure whether you need an attorney long-term, we’re happy to provide a 1-hour consultation for a flat fee of $100 for specific legal situations.

With two and a half decades of family law experience, we’re confident we can support you through your case. If you’re ready to discuss your case in more detail, reach out to our office to schedule an initial consultation with a member of our team today.

*Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.