Grandparent And Third-Party Visitation In Illinois

No two families are the same. In many families, children develop close, loving bonds with great-grandparents, grandparents, stepparents, and siblings. These relationships may be impacted when the child’s parents separate or get divorced. In general, the child’s parent decides who is allowed to spend time with the child and nonparents (i.e. great-grandparents, grandparents, stepparents and siblings) do not have an automatic right to visitation with the child.

The decision whether or not to allow a nonparent visitation with a child is very fact-specific and the judge must consider a number of factors, including:

• The mental and physical health of the child and the great-grandparent, grandparent, stepparent, or sibling
• The good faith of the parent denying visitation and the good faith of the nonparent in requesting visitation
• The length and quality of the relationship between the child and the great-grandparent, grandparent, stepparent, or sibling
• The child’s wishes (if the child is mature enough to express his or her preference)

Discuss Your Options With Our Experienced Family Law Attorneys

The knowledgeable family law attorneys of Beattie | Onorato have extensive experience representing nonparents seeking visitation rights and defending parent’s decisions regarding nonparent visitation. To learn more about nonparent visitation, contact our Chicago office at 312-809-2750 or contact us online.