Bill > HB25

This bill amends Maryland's Family Law to expand the circumstances under which grandparents can seek court-ordered visitation rights with their grandchildren. Previously, courts could consider granting visitation if it was in the child's best interest, but this bill clarifies and strengthens the grounds for such petitions. Specifically, an equity court (a court that handles certain civil matters, including family law) can now grant visitation rights to a grandparent if a divorce, annulment, custody, or paternity action has been filed by the child's parent, and the court determines that visitation is in the child's best interests and will not negatively impact the parent-child relationship. The court must consider the prior level of contact between the grandparent and child when making this decision. Furthermore, visitation rights must be granted if the child lived with the grandparent for at least 12 months, or if the child's parent who is the grandparent's child has passed away, provided the court still finds visitation to be in the child's best interest and not disruptive to the parent-child bond. The bill also specifies that a court cannot deny visitation based on potential interference with the parent-child relationship unless it is proven by a preponderance of the evidence (meaning it's more likely than not) after a hearing. This Act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0025?ys=2026RS