When determining issues regarding the custody and care of a minor child, courts must consider factors concerning the child’s best interest. Although the custody issues typically involve disputes between the minor child’s parents, people who qualify as a “person with a legitimate interest” have the right to argue before the court as to why they should have child custody or visitation rights.
A person with a legitimate interest in having custody of a minor child can be a close relative of the child—such as siblings, aunts and uncles, and grandparents—or any adult if granting them custody would be in the child’s best interest. Qualifying as a person with a legitimate interest in child custody only gives non-parents a foot in the door when it comes to getting custody. However, a person who qualifies as a person with a legitimate interest must still prove that awarding them custody is in the child’s best interest.
If you are a grandparent or other nonparent seeking child custody rights, you might benefit from the professional services of an experienced attorney. To schedule a free case evaluation exploring your options, call The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller at (757) 267-4949 or contact our office online.
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