Grandparent Rights

Chattanooga Grandparents Rights Lawyer

As a grandparent, your bond with your grandchildren is precious and irreplaceable. However, various circumstances, such as divorce, parental incarceration, or even the death of a parent, can sometimes jeopardize your relationship with them. At Conner & Roberts, PLLC, we understand the importance of maintaining these connections and are dedicated to protecting your rights as a grandparent in Chattanooga.

Understanding Tennessee Grandparent Rights

In Tennessee, grandparents do not have automatic legal rights to visitation or custody of their grandchildren. However, the state recognizes the importance of maintaining relationships between grandparents and grandchildren under certain circumstances. Tennessee law allows grandparents to petition the court for visitation rights if they can demonstrate that visitation is in the best interests of the child and that denial of visitation would result in substantial harm to the child. 

Additionally, grandparents may petition for custody or guardianship of their grandchildren if they can show that the parents are unfit or unable to care for the child adequately. The court considers various factors, including the child's welfare, the nature of the relationship between the child and the grandparent, and the parents' fitness as caregivers, when determining grandparent rights. It's essential for grandparents to seek legal guidance from experienced family law attorneys familiar with Tennessee's grandparent rights laws to navigate the legal process effectively and protect their rights and the best interests of their grandchildren.

Navigating the legal system to assert your rights as a grandparent can be complex and emotionally challenging. Our experienced Chattanooga grandparent rights lawyers at Conner & Roberts, PLLC, are here to guide you through every step of the process. We will work tirelessly to understand your unique situation, explain your legal options clearly, and advocate fiercely on your behalf to protect your relationship with your grandchildren.

Common Issues in Grandparent Rights Cases

Grandparent rights cases can involve various legal issues, including:

  • Visitation Rights: If your relationship with your grandchildren is being threatened or restricted, you may seek visitation rights to maintain meaningful contact with them.
  • Custody Rights: In cases where the parents are unable or unwilling to care for their children, grandparents may pursue custody to provide a stable and loving home environment for their grandchildren.
  • Legal Guardianship: In situations where the parents are unable to care for their children due to factors such as substance abuse, incarceration, or mental illness, grandparents may seek legal guardianship to assume responsibility for their grandchildren's care and well-being.
  • Adoption: In some cases, grandparents may pursue adoption to formally establish a legal parent-child relationship with their grandchildren, providing them with permanency and stability.

Contact Our Grandparents Rights Lawyer in Chattanooga

At Conner & Roberts, PLLC, we approach every grandparent rights case with compassion, empathy, and a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients and their families. We understand the sensitive nature of these matters and are dedicated to providing personalized legal solutions tailored to your specific needs and goals.

If you are a grandparent facing legal challenges regarding visitation, custody, or guardianship rights, don't navigate the legal system alone. Let the experienced grandparent rights lawyers at Conner & Roberts, PLLC, advocate for you and your grandchildren. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward protecting your family's future.


Do not go through this stressful and emotional time alone. Contact us at (423) 299-4489 or online today for a FREE consultation with a grandparents rights attorney near you. 


Tennessee Grandparent Rights FAQ

  1. Can parents keep their kids away from grandparents? Yes, parents in Tennessee generally have the legal right to determine whether their children have contact with their grandparents. Unless there are extenuating circumstances, such as abuse or neglect, parents can decide whether or not to allow visitation with grandparents. However, grandparents may pursue legal avenues to seek visitation rights if they believe it's in the best interest of the child.
  2. Do grandparents have legal rights to visitation or custody of their grandchildren in Tennessee? While grandparents do not have inherent rights to visitation or custody, Tennessee state laws recognize the importance of maintaining relationships between grandparents and their grandchildren. Under certain circumstances, grandparents may seek legal protection for visitation or custody rights.

  3. What to do when you are not allowed to see your grandchildren? If you're not allowed to see your grandchildren, consider seeking legal advice to understand your rights and explore options for mediation or pursuing visitation rights through the court system. It's essential to prioritize the well-being of the grandchildren and maintain a respectful approach to resolving conflicts with the parents.
  4. What states do not have grandparents rights? Grandparents' rights laws vary by state, but there are some states where grandparents have limited or no legal rights to visitation or custody. These states typically require grandparents to demonstrate a significant relationship with the grandchild or prove that denying visitation would harm the child's well-being. It's essential to consult with a family law attorney to understand the specific laws and options available in your state. 
     
  5. Under what circumstances can grandparents seek visitation rights? Grandparents may seek visitation rights if their relationship with their grandchildren is being threatened or restricted, and it is in the best interests of the children to maintain meaningful contact with their grandparents. Factors such as the parents' marital status, divorce, or death, as well as the welfare of the grandchildren, may influence the court's decision.

  6. Can grandparents pursue custody or guardianship of their grandchildren? Yes, grandparents may pursue custody or legal guardianship of their grandchildren when the parents are unable or unwilling to care for them. This could be due to factors such as substance abuse, incarceration, mental illness, or parental neglect or abandonment. The court will consider the best interests of the children when making decisions regarding custody or guardianship.

  7. How can grandparents protect their rights in legal proceedings? Grandparents can protect their rights by seeking legal representation from experienced Chattanooga family law attorneys who specialize in grandparent rights cases. A grandparents' rights attorney can help grandparents understand their legal options, navigate the complex legal process, and advocate for their rights and the best interests of their grandchildren in court.

  8. What steps should grandparents take if they believe their grandchildren are in danger or being neglected? If grandparents believe their grandchildren are in danger or being neglected, they should immediately contact local authorities, such as child protective services or law enforcement, to report their concerns. Additionally, seeking legal advice from an attorney experienced in handling child custody and welfare cases can help grandparents understand their legal options for protecting their grandchildren's safety and well-being.

  9. Can grandparents pursue adoption of their grandchildren? In some cases, grandparents may pursue adoption to formally establish a legal parent-child relationship with their grandchildren. Adoption provides permanency and stability for the grandchildren and may be considered when the parents are unable or unwilling to care for them. An attorney can assist grandparents in navigating the adoption process and advocating for the best interests of the children involved.

  10. How can grandparents schedule a consultation with a Tennessee grandparent rights attorney? Grandparents can schedule a consultation with a grandparent rights attorney by contacting our firm, Conner & Roberts, PLLC. During the consultation, grandparents can discuss their concerns, explore their legal options, and receive personalized advice and guidance tailored to their specific situation and goals.

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