Bill > HB1165

This bill modifies Missouri's laws regarding grandparent visitation rights by expanding the circumstances under which grandparents can seek court-ordered visitation with their grandchildren. The bill now allows grandparents to request visitation rights in four specific situations: during a parental divorce, when one parent is deceased and the surviving parent denies visitation, when parents were never married and the custodial parent denies visitation, or when the child has lived with the grandparent for at least six months within the past two years. The bill requires that before granting visitation, courts must determine that such visitation is in the child's best interests and may impose reasonable conditions or restrictions. New provisions allow grandparents to file for visitation even after a previous custody or visitation action has been adjudicated, and if reasonable visitation has been denied for more than 60 days. The bill also maintains existing provisions that allow courts to potentially appoint a guardian ad litem, conduct home studies, consult with the child about their wishes, and award attorneys' fees. Importantly, grandparent visitation rights can be terminated if the child is adopted, and any agreements between parties regarding visitation must be approved by the court as being in the child's best interests.

Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1165&year=2025&code=R