Top New Bedford, MA Grandparents Rights Lawyers Near You
338 Parker Street, Lowell, MA 01851
One Financial Center, Suite 3500, Boston, MA 02111
100 Trade Center, Suite G700, Woburn, MA 01801
78 Turnpike Rd, Unit I, Ipswich, MA 01938
100 Cambridge St, 14th Floor, Boston, MA 02114
189 Main St, Marlborough, MA 01752
55 Union St, Suite 400, Boston, MA 02108
One International Place, Suite 2000, Boston, MA 02110
24 Market Street, Amesbury, MA 01913
175 Andover St, Suite 205, Danvers, MA 01923
177 Huntington Avenue, 17th Floor, Boston, MA 02115
2 Meeting House Rd, Suite 3, Chelmsford, MA 01824
900 Cummings Center, Suite 210U, Beverly, MA 01915
800 Boylston St, 32nd Floor, Boston, MA 02199
1 Boston Place, Suite 2600, Boston, MA 02108
PO Box 290631, Charlestown, MA 02129
873 Turnpike St, North Andover, MA 01845
60 Walnut Street, 4th Floor, Wellesley, MA 02481
859 Turnpike St, Suite 130, North Andover, MA 01845
14A Eliot Street, Cambridge, MA 02138
New Bedford Grandparents Rights Information
Lead Counsel Verified Attorneys in New Bedford
Lead Counsel independently verifies Grandparents Rights attorneys in New Bedford and checks their standing with Massachusetts 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
Submit to an annual review to retain their Lead Counsel Verified status.
Client Commitment
Pledge to follow the highest quality client service and ethical standards.
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 New Bedford?
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 Massachusetts?
- 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