Georgia law provides limited circumstances under which grandparents can seek visitation rights with their grandchildren.
O.C.G.A. §19-7-3: Grandparents may petition for visitation when there has been a disruption in the family unit. This includes situations where the parents are divorced or separated, a parent has died, or the child was previously living with the grandparent.
The standard: The court must find that the health or welfare of the child would be harmed without the visitation, and that the visitation is in the best interest of the child. This is a high bar, as courts generally defer to parental decisions about who may visit their children.
Important limitation: A grandparent cannot file for visitation more than once every two years unless there has been a material change in circumstances.
Custody rights: In extreme cases where neither parent is fit, grandparents may petition for temporary or permanent custody under O.C.G.A. §19-7-1. They must demonstrate that the child's welfare requires it.
Given the legal complexity of grandparents' rights, consulting with a family law attorney familiar with Georgia law is strongly recommended.