Bill > SB245

This bill amends the Georgia Code to expand grandparents' rights to seek visitation with a minor child, specifically in situations where a parent is deceased, incapacitated, or incarcerated. The bill allows the parent of a deceased, incapacitated, or incarcerated parent to petition for visitation rights, providing they can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the child's health or welfare would be harmed without such visitation. The court will consider factors such as whether the child previously lived with the grandparent, received financial support, or had an established visitation pattern. The bill includes a provision that prevents these petitions from being filed more than once in a two-year period and emphasizes that while a custodial parent's judgment will be considered, it is not absolute. The legislation aims to protect the child's best interests and allows for potential emotional harm to be a consideration when determining visitation rights. Importantly, the bill maintains that visitation should not interfere with the child's school or extracurricular activities, and ensures that visitation time will be at least 24 hours per month, either individually or in aggregate if multiple family members are seeking visitation.

Health and Social Services, Justice

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70720