HB446 Summary

• Amends Section 30-3-4.2 of the Alabama Code to require grandparent visitation actions be filed in the circuit court's domestic relations division, if one exists, or assigned to a circuit judge who regularly hears domestic relations cases.

• Establishes that a grandparent is defined as the parent of a parent, whether the relationship is created biologically or by adoption.

• Allows grandparents to file visitation petitions when specific circumstances exist, including parental divorce, death, or legal separation; out-of-wedlock births; or parental rights termination.

• Requires grandparents to prove by clear and convincing evidence that they have established a significant and viable relationship with the grandchild and that visitation is in the child's best interest.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor or upon otherwise becoming law.