What is the law regarding grandparent visitation rights in New Jersey?
The relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren has become increasingly complex over the past few decades. More and more, grandparents are looking to the courts to obtain visitation time with their beloved grandchildren. Unfortunately, the rising divorce rate, soaring single parenthood, increased alcohol and drug use, and the financial pressures of living in New Jersey have all altered the entire New Jersey family structure. New Jersey’s Grandparents’ Visitation Statute, N.J.S.A. 9:27.1, allows a grandparent residing in New Jersey to make an application for visitation. The grandparent must prove that visitation is in the best interests of the child. In making this determination, the court must consider eight factors, including: a. The relationship between the child and the grandparent; b. The relationship between the parents and the grandparents; c. The time that has elapsed since the child last saw the grandparent; d. The effect that such visitation will have on the rela
