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La Jolla Grandparent Rights Attorneys

Dedicated Legal Representation for Grandparents in La Jolla

La Jolla is a seaside village with an upscale atmosphere and a spectacular coastline. Nicknamed “the Jewel of San Diego,” it offers beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, a resident seal colony, and Scripps Park along the coastline, where families can picnic, watch Fourth of July fireworks, and enjoy concerts under the stars. The village is also home to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. La Jolla provides many opportunities for recreation and education and for grandparents to spend quality time with their grandchildren. However, despite the special bond grandparents have with their grandchildren and the essential role they play in their lives, grandparents do not automatically have the same legal rights as parents.

If you are concerned about the well-being of your grandchildren or maintaining your relationship with them, contact Mattis Law, A.P.C to explore your legal options. From 2017-2020, founding attorney Amelia Mattis was named among the Top 10 Family Law Attorneys in California by the American Institute of Family Law Attorneys and Lawyer of the Year by the American Institute of Legal Professionals in 2022. We can explain your rights and what can be done to protect your grandchildren and your relationship with them.

Call (858) 328-4400 to arrange your free consultation with a La Jolla family law attorney today.

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Do Grandparents Have Any Custody Rights in California?

Grandparents have no automatic legal rights to custody of their grandchildren. However, grandparents or other family members and non-parents may be granted custody if the court determines that it is in the best interests of the child. This is covered in the California Family Code, Section 3041. Family law courts put the safety and well-being of the child first. If you are concerned for your grandchild, you may petition the court for custody if you can prove:

  • The child has been a victim of abuse or neglect.
  • A parent or parents have substance abuse or mental health issues.
  • The parents are divorced and facing financial difficulties.
  • A parent or both parents are in jail or prison and unable to care for the child.

To win custody of your grandchild in any of the above circumstances, you must prove to the court that you have engendered a bond with your grandchild. You must demonstrate a strong, long-lasting, beneficial relationship. The court will need to see evidence that the child will be best served in your custody.

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Client Testimonial

"...I am so very thankful that Ms. Mattis went out of her way to secure a decision in favor, supporting this Grandma and my sweet granddaughter. Ms. Mattis is to be commended for her diligence and professional acumen."

- A.H. from Google

How Can I Gain Visitation Rights with My Grandchild in La Jolla?

Typically, parents have the right to decide whether a child will see their grandparents. If the parents do not live together, either parent may allow the child to see grandparents during their parenting time. Under California law, grandparents have a right to seek reasonable visitation with their grandchildren through the courts, provided the following two guidelines are met:

  • The grandparent and grandchild have a preexisting relationship that has engendered a bond between them. Because of this bond, it is in the child’s best interests to maintain a relationship with the grandparent.
  • The court balances the child’s best interests in continuing a relationship with the grandparent against the rights of the parents to make decisions regarding the child.

It may be advisable to first work with a private mediator or counselor. If successful, it could help you avoid going to court and help promote a better family relationship.

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Contact an Experienced La Jolla Family Law Attorney to Discuss Your Options

Your relationship with your grandchildren is a precious thing. Naturally, their safety and well-being is your number one priority. At Mattis Law, A.P.C., we have extensive experience protecting the rights of grandparents and the best interests of their grandchildren.

Your initial consultation is free— call a La Jolla grandparent rights lawyer at (858) 328-4400 to discuss your case and learn more about your legal rights and options as a grandparent.

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Additional Information

(858) 328-4400