How do grandparents try to get custody of a grandchild?
There is no law in Alaska that specifically addresses a grandparent’s right to file for custody of a grandchild. Alaska Supreme Court cases have recognized that a parent is entitled to a preference over non-parents in custody determinations. A court can only override this preference if: • the parent is unfit, or • the child’s welfare requires that the non-parent have custody If you are interested in filing for custody of your grandchild, you should consult with an attorney to understand what is involved in this type of case. You can call the Family Law Self-Help Center telephone helpline and the staff may be able to help you depending on the specifics of your situation.
