Denver, Colorado, Third Party Visitation Attorneys

In cases where a third party - grandparent, former step-parent, or close relative - had an established relationship with a child but becomes estranged from the custodial parent, visitation rights may be granted if a judge believes it is in the best interests of a child. Here, a case must be presented that demonstrates the existence of a meaningful relationship and one that promotes the well-being of the child in question. At McGuane and Hogan, our attorneys work with social workers, psychiatrists, and others in asking the court for third party visitation rights. We are prepared to address concerns over "controversial behaviors," such as smoking, the child-proof nature of a home, and the level of involvement of our client in a child's life.

If you have been denied the opportunity to spend time with a child in your life, contact third party visitation rights attorneys at the family law office of McGuane and Hogan today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you.

Establishing Your Involvement with a Child

While the court will act in what it believes to be a child's best interest, in order to demonstrate involvement with a child you will need to provide the following kind of information for the court's consideration:

• Amount of time spent caring for a child
• Any financial gifts or payments made on behalf of child
• Help in taking a child to doctor appointments, school events, church, etc.
• Photos showing you and the child together for holidays, birthdays, etc.
• Other evidence indicating involvement in a child's life

In-Home Study and Psychological Evaluation

In order to determine if visitation with a third party is in the best interests of a child, the court may require that an investigation be conducted. Here, a professional may be interested in determining the safety of a house and whether it provides a healthy environment for a child. They may want to know if you smoke, drink, own firearms, have a spouse or romantic partner, etc. In general, the study seeks to determine whether anything that could pose a threat to the child in question, and assess the nature of the bond between the child and third party.

In addition to such a study, the court may ask a psychologist to evaluate a child. When divorce separates a child from a cherished step-parent, grandparent, or adoptive parent, the court wants reassurance that visitation will not cause distress or undue confusion for a child.

Contact Third Party Visitation Attorneys at McGuane and Hogan

Establishing third party visitation rights can be complicated by the processes and procedures put in place to protect a child. Understanding how to cooperate with the court and anticipate potential problems is essential in positioning your case. At the McGuane and Hogan, our family law attorneys have extensive experience in child custody and visitation matters. To learn how we can help you, contact third party visitation lawyers at McGuane and Hogan today.