Top Bath, ME Grandparents Rights Lawyers Near You
41 Hutchins Drive, Portland, ME 04102
6 City Center, Floor 3, Portland, ME 04101
28 State St., Gorham, ME 04038
215 Commercial St, 2nd Floor, PO Box 4801, Portland, ME 04112
872 Washington Street, PO Box 662, Bath, ME 04530
183 Middle Street, 4th Floor, Portland, ME 04112
53 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
477 Congress St., Suite 1104, Portland, ME 04101
16A Woodbridge Rd., York, ME 03909
5 Milk St, Ste 330, Portland, ME 04101
477 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
56B Maine St., Brunswick, ME 04011
1321 Washington Avenue, Suite 204, Portland, ME 04103
107 Congress St., Portland, ME 04101
949 Main St., PO Box 1068, Sanford, ME 04073
194 Main St, PO Box 29, Freeport, ME 04032
11 Main St, Ste. 5, Kennebunk, ME 04043
75 Market St, Suite 303, Portland, ME 04101
1 Union St, Suite 504, Portland, ME 04101
230 Main St, Unit 2, Gorham, ME 04038
7 Estate Drive, Gorham, ME 04038
254 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
415 Congress St, Suite 206, Portland, ME 04101
97A Exchange St., Suite 404, Portland, ME 04101
75 Pearl St, Suite 216, Portland, ME 04101
Bath Grandparents Rights Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in Bath
Lead Counsel independently verifies Grandparents Rights attorneys in Bath and checks their standing with Maine bar associations.
Our Verification Process and Criteria
Ample Experience
Attorneys must meet stringent qualifications and prove they practice in the area of law they’re verified in.
Good Standing
Be in good standing with their bar associations and maintain a clean disciplinary record.
Annual Review
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Client Commitment
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What Is Grandparents’ Rights Law?
When a child’s parents separate or divorce, children can benefit from the stability that grandparents provide. Most grandparents want to stay active in their grandchildren’s lives after parents separate. In limited situations, grandparents’ rights laws provide visitation rights. However, generally, grandparents do not have legal custody or visitation rights.
What Are Some Examples of Situations Where I Might Need a Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer?
Some states and family court judges may protect grandparents’ rights when there is a strong relationship between you and your grandchildren before a divorce. A grandparents’ rights lawyer can also represent you if your grandchild’s parents pass away, are incarcerated, or abandon them.
How Can a Lawyer Help Me Assert My Grandparents’ Rights?
Your grandchild’s parents may not want you to be part of their life. However, maintaining strong family bonds is in most children’s best interests. A lawyer can file a petition with the court to assert your grandparents’ rights, including regular visitation, and represent you in any court hearings.
What Could Happen if I Don’t Hire a Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer?
You may face several challenges if you don’t hire a custody lawyer. Most significantly, your custody of and the time you spend with your grandchild could be taken away or reduced. Also, navigating the legal system alone can be confusing and overwhelming, leading to mistakes that could jeopardize your case. Without legal representation, you might struggle to effectively present your evidence and arguments in court, potentially resulting in unfavorable custody arrangements. You could miss important deadlines or fail to comply with procedural requirements. Additionally, without expert guidance, you might agree to terms that are not in your grandchild’s best interests or your own.
What Questions Should I Ask When Trying To Find a Grandparents’ Lawyer in Bath?
These questions can help you decide if you feel comfortable that a child custody lawyer has the qualifications, experience, and ability to manage your case well. Many lawyers offer free consultations that allow you to understand your options and get specific legal advice before hiring them. Top questions include:
- What is your experience with grandparent visitation cases?
- How long have you practiced family law in Maine?
- What is your approach to resolving custody disputes?
- What are your fees, and do you offer payment plans?
- How will you keep me informed about my case’s progress?
- What is your strategy for achieving the best outcome for my grandchild?
- Have you handled cases similar to mine before? What was the outcome of those cases?
- How do you handle communication and availability for urgent matters?
Tips for Hiring a Grandparents’ Rights Lawyer
Finding a lawyer who is right for you and will represent your best interests is an important first step in protecting your rights. Find a lawyer who understands your case, knows your needs and goals, and has the experience to get the best outcome. Things to do:
- Ask for recommendations
- Research lawyers online
- Schedule consultations
- Review experience and expertise
- Talk about billing and fees
- Trust your instincts