Grandparent Visitation.
Supporting Meaningful Connections.
For many families, grandparents play a vital role in a child’s life—offering love, guidance, and stability across generations. But when family relationships shift due to divorce, separation, or estrangement, those connections can be at risk.
At Poppy Legal Group, we understand how painful it can be to feel shut out of a grandchild’s life. While Massachusetts law does allow certain grandparents to request court-ordered visitation, the legal standard is specific and not always easy to meet. We’re here to help you understand your rights, assess your options, and advocate for meaningful relationships whenever possible.
Can Grandparents Get Visitation Rights in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts allows grandparents to petition the court for visitation in limited circumstances, but the law prioritizes parental rights and autonomy. In order to grant visitation over a parent’s objection, the court must find that not allowing visitation would cause significant harm to the child—not just that the relationship is important or beneficial.
When Can a Grandparent File for Visitation?
You may be eligible to petition the court for visitation if your grandchild’s parents meet one of the following criteria:
They are divorced or separated
One or both parents are deceased
The parents were never married, but paternity has been legally established
The parents no longer live together, or there has been a significant breakdown in the family unit
Even when these conditions are met, the court will still require strong evidence that denying visitation would be detrimental to the child’s wellbeing.
What Does the Court Consider?
When reviewing a grandparent visitation request, the court looks closely at:
The existing relationship between the grandparent and child
The child’s emotional and developmental needs
The parents’ wishes and the reasons for any objections
Whether visitation would interfere with parental decision-making or family dynamics
Evidence of harm to the child if contact is denied
It's important to understand that the burden is on the grandparent to prove that visitation is necessary to prevent harm—not simply that it would be in the child's best interest.
What If I Was My Grandchild’s Caregiver?
If you’ve been a primary caregiver for your grandchild or have had a legally recognized guardianship, you may have stronger legal grounds for seeking visitation or even custody. These situations are more complex, and we can help you explore what options may be available.
How Poppy Legal Group Can Help
These cases are deeply personal—and often emotionally difficult for everyone involved. At Poppy Legal Group, we approach grandparent visitation matters with honesty, compassion, and a clear-eyed understanding of the law. We’ll help you:
Understand your legal standing
Evaluate whether filing a petition makes sense for your situation
Advocate for a child’s continued relationship with you—when the law allows it
Explore alternative ways to reconnect, including family mediation
We know how much these relationships matter, and we’re here to help you take thoughtful, informed steps toward preserving them.
