Orlando Grandparents Rights Lawyer

Protecting the Vital Role Grandparents Play in a Child’s Life

The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to help families navigate emotionally complex situations in which grandparents seek to protect or preserve their relationship with their grandchildren. Florida recognizes that grandparents often play a crucial role in a child’s life, providing love, guidance, stability, and support. However, grandparents’ rights are limited under Florida law and can be difficult to assert without skilled legal representation. Our attorneys help grandparents understand their rights, pursue visitation, petition for custody when necessary, and protect their connection with the children they love.

Clients of the Donna Hung Law Group receive knowledgeable guidance, compassionate support, and strategic legal advocacy at every step. Our Orlando grandparents rights lawyers work diligently to ensure that grandparents are treated fairly, their voices are heard, and the child’s well-being remains the top priority.

Understanding Grandparents Rights in Florida

Florida law does not automatically grant grandparents visitation or custody. However, grandparents may pursue legal rights in specific circumstances, particularly when:

• The child’s parents are unfit
• The child is at risk of harm
• A parent is deceased
• A parent is missing or in a vegetative state
• Parental rights have been terminated
• The child has been removed from the home
• The child’s welfare is endangered

Although Florida law is strict, grandparents do have legal avenues to request visitation or custody when it is necessary for the child’s safety or emotional health.

Circumstances Where Grandparents May Seek Visitation

Grandparents may seek visitation when parental decisions or family disputes block access. The court may consider visitation if:

• One or both parents are deceased
• A parent is missing or has abandoned the child
• A parent is incapacitated
• The child is suffering emotional harm due to lack of contact
• The parents have divorced and visitation is in the child’s best interests

Courts will weigh factors such as the child’s relationship with the grandparent, emotional ties, and potential risks or benefits.

Custody Rights for Grandparents

Grandparents may pursue custody when parents are unable to provide safe or stable care. Custody may be appropriate when:

• The parents are struggling with addiction
• There is evidence of abuse or chronic neglect
• The home environment is unsafe
• A parent is incarcerated
• The parents abandon the child
• DCF intervenes due to safety concerns

Grandparents often serve as a safety net for children in crisis. Our attorneys help grandparents pursue temporary custody, permanent guardianship, or adoption when appropriate.

Dependency Proceedings and Grandparents

When the Department of Children and Families (DCF) becomes involved, grandparents have an opportunity to step in. Grandparents may:

• Serve as relative caregivers
• Request placement during dependency proceedings
• Pursue custody or adoption if reunification is not possible
• Participate in case planning and hearings
• Maintain visitation with the child

Our attorneys guide grandparents through the dependency court process with strong advocacy and compassion.

Demonstrating the Child’s Best Interests

In all grandparents rights cases, the court’s primary consideration is the child’s best interests. Factors the court may review include:

• Emotional bond between grandparent and child
• Length and quality of the relationship
• Stability provided by the grandparent
• Child’s physical, emotional, and educational needs
• Mental and physical health of all parties
• Evidence of harm or risk if visitation is denied
• Ability to maintain a positive environment

We help grandparents present clear, compelling evidence demonstrating why maintaining the relationship is essential.

When Parents Object to Grandparent Visitation

Parents have constitutional rights to make decisions about their children. When parents object, grandparents must present evidence showing:

• Parental decision is unreasonable
• Denying visitation harms the child
• The grandparent-child relationship is significant
• Contact is necessary for the child’s well-being

These cases require careful preparation and strong evidence. Our firm provides experienced representation to navigate these challenges.

Emergency Custody for Grandparents

When a child is in immediate danger, grandparents may petition for emergency custody. Situations that may warrant emergency custody include:

• Abuse or serious neglect
• Substance abuse placing the child at risk
• Domestic violence in the home
• Criminal activity
• Unsafe or unstable home conditions

We help grandparents act quickly to protect the child’s safety and secure temporary or permanent custody when appropriate.

Mediation for Grandparent Visitation and Custody

Mediation is often helpful in resolving disputes without courtroom litigation. Benefits include:

• Preserving family relationships
• Encouraging cooperation
• Providing flexible solutions
• Reducing stress and legal costs

Even in difficult cases, mediation can lead to meaningful visitation agreements that support the child’s emotional needs.

Litigation in Grandparents Rights Cases

When negotiation is not possible, grandparents may need to pursue litigation. Litigation may involve:

• Evidentiary hearings
• Witness testimony
• Psychological evaluations
• Home studies
• DCF reports
• Expert testimony on the child’s needs

Our attorneys prepare these cases meticulously and advocate assertively in court.

When Grandparents Should Seek Legal Help

Grandparents should consult an attorney when:

• They are denied meaningful contact with their grandchild
• They suspect neglect, abuse, or unsafe living conditions
• The child has been placed in foster care
• A parent is deceased or incapacitated
• They have been the child’s primary caregiver
• They need legal authority to make decisions for the child

Early legal guidance helps prevent missteps and strengthen your case.

The Legal Process for Grandparents Rights Cases

Grandparents rights cases follow several steps.

Filing a Petition

Depending on your situation, you may file for:

• Visitation
• Temporary custody
• Permanent guardianship
• Adoption

Service and Response

Parents must be notified, and they have the opportunity to respond.

Mediation

Courts often require mediation to explore settlement possibilities.

Evaluations or Investigations

Depending on the case, courts may order:

• Home studies
• Psychological evaluations
• Guardian ad litem involvement

Court Hearings

If no agreement is reached, the case proceeds to court for a judge to decide.

Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice

The Donna Hung Law Group handles a wide range of family matters involving grandparents and extended family. Our attorneys assist with:

• Grandparent visitation petitions
• Grandparent custody and guardianship
• Grandparent adoption
• Dependency and DCF cases
• Termination of parental rights
• Emergency custody
• Paternity and parenting disputes
• Domestic violence injunctions

We work passionately to protect the important bond between grandparents and grandchildren.

Orlando Family Courthouse Information

Grandparents rights matters are heard in the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.

Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: www.ninthcircuit.org

Cases may involve family court, dependency court, or both, depending on the situation.

Orlando Grandparents Rights FAQs

Do grandparents automatically have visitation rights in Florida?

No. Grandparents must meet specific legal requirements to request visitation.

Can I get custody of my grandchild?

Yes. Custody may be granted if the parents are unfit or the child is unsafe.

Do I need a lawyer for grandparent rights cases?

Because Florida law is strict, legal representation is highly recommended.

Can I seek visitation if both parents object?

Only in limited circumstances, usually involving parental incapacity, death, or harm to the child.

What if DCF is involved?

Grandparents may request placement and pursue custody or adoption through the dependency court system.

Serving Throughout Orlando

• Baldwin Park
• College Park
• Lake Nona
• Winter Park
• Thornton Park
• Dr. Phillips
• MetroWest
• Hunters Creek
• Avalon Park
• Windermere
• Celebration
• Waterford Lakes
• Mills 50 District
• Audubon Park
• Conway
• South Eola
• Bay Hill
• Lake Como
• Lake Mary
• Vista Lakes

Orlando Grandparents Rights Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us

At the Donna Hung Law Group, we understand the deep, irreplaceable relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren. When that relationship is threatened, or when a child needs the safety and stability only a grandparent can provide—our attorneys offer dedicated support, strong legal advocacy, and compassionate guidance. Whether your case involves visitation, custody, or long-term placement, we are here to help you protect your grandchild’s future.

Call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about your rights as a grandparent.