The short answer to this question is yes. But, this right is not automatically recognized legally. Put another way, if you are a grandparent, and you want to legally establish your legal right to visit your grandchildren, you can, but there are certain steps that you must take first. Georgia law recognizes that it is extremely important for children to not only have a relationship with both parents, but to maintain a healthy relationship with their grandparents as well. As a result, Georgia law allows grandparents to seek and establish a legally enforceable visitation arrangement with their grandchild or grandchildren in certain circumstances. According to O.C.G.A. ยง 19-7-3, a grandparent may either file an original action for visitation or intervene in an ongoing action that determines the custody of their grandchild (such as an adoption, divorce, or modification action) and ask the Court to grant him or her the right to reasonable visitation with their grandchild.
It is important to note that as a grandparent, you may only seek visitation rights in cases where the parents are separated, divorcing or divorced. For further information on how to seek grandchild visitation and how to protect your relationship with your grandchild or grandchildren, see our other articles on Grandparents Rights in Georgia. If you have any questions, or if you are ready to exercise your right to visitation, contact one of our friendly and experienced family law attorneys today.