CT HB06281

Amends Section 46b-59 of the general statutes to establish specific criteria for grandparent visitation rights when a parent is deceased.

Courts must grant grandparent visitation if the applicant demonstrates by clear and convincing evidence that: (1) visitation is in the child's best interests; (2) the parent who is the applicant's child is deceased; (3) the applicant's relationship with the child has been parental in nature for a substantial period of time; and (4) the child will suffer real and substantial harm if visitation is not granted.

Maintains existing law allowing courts to grant visitation rights to any person based on the child's best interest, subject to conditions and limitations the court deems equitable.

Clarifies that visitation rights do not create parental rights and do not prevent courts from later acting on custody, parental rights, or adoption matters.

Effective date: October 1, 2011.