Grandparent Custody and Visitation Rights in NC

​When a family experiences a separation or divorce, a grandparent sometimes loses contact with their grandchildren through no fault of their own. We are often asked what rights the grandparent has, if any.

In North Carolina, a grandparent has the right to claim visitation with their grandchildren under certain circumstances, even over the objection of one or both parents. There are several statutes that permit a grandparent to maintain an action for visitation of their grandchild:

• Who is entitled to custody; terms of custody; visitation rights of grandparents; taking child out of State (N.C. Gen. Stat. §50-13.2(b1)) — “An order for custody of a minor child may provide visitation rights for any grandparent of the child as the court, in its discretion, deems appropriate. As used in this subsection, “grandparent” includes a biological grandparent of a child adopted by a stepparent or a relative of the child where a substantial relationship exists between the grandparent and the child….”

• Action for visitation of adopted grandchild (N.C. Gen. Stat. §50-13.2A) — “A biological grandparent may institute an action or proceeding for visitation rights with a child adopted by a stepparent or a relative of the child where a substantial relationship exists between the grandparent and the child. Under no circumstances shall a biological grandparent of a child adopted by adoptive parents, neither of whom is related to the child and where parental rights of both biological parents have been terminated, be entitled to visitation rights. A court may award visitation rights if it determines that visitation is in the best interest of the child…”

Understand that biological parents have a 14th Amendment right to care for a nurture their children. This is called the “Peterson presumption” in North Carolina, which provides that custody with a parent is presumed to be in the child’s best interest. The grandparent must overcome this presumption to obtain custody. Therefore, for a grandparent to prevail against a parent in an action for child custody, they must show that the parent(s) is either unfit, has neglected the child(ren), or has engaged in conduct inconsistent with their protected status (i.e., voluntarily giving up custody of a child to a non-parent). Grandparents, and non-parents bringing an action for custody, must prove their case with clear and convincing evidence.

If you have questions regarding grandparent custody and visitation rights in North Carolina, contact Adkins Law. We have offices in Huntersville and Charlotte for your convenience.