HB237 Summary

• Establishes procedures for grandparents to petition for visitation rights with grandchildren in circuit court or other courts with jurisdiction over custody matters.

• Creates a rebuttable presumption that a fit parent's decision to deny or limit visitation is in the child's best interest; petitioner must prove by clear and convincing evidence both a significant and viable relationship with the child and that visitation is in the child's best interest.

• Limits petitions by married grandparents to once every 24 months unless good cause is shown; allows parents to petition to modify or terminate grandparent visitation upon proof of material change in circumstances.

• Authorizes courts to award temporary pendente lite visitation if child resided with grandparent for 6+ consecutive months, grandparent was regular caregiver for 6+ months, provided significant financial support for 6+ months, or had frequent contact for 12+ months.

• Repeals Section 30-3-4.1 of the Code of Alabama 1975 and becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval.