HB 7095 Summary

• Repeals and replaces Connecticut General Statute 46b-59 to establish two separate pathways for grandparent visitation petitions, effective October 1, 2019.

• Creates a general visitation standard requiring proof of a parent-like relationship and that denial of visitation would cause real and significant harm (defined as child neglect or being uncared for).

• Establishes a separate, more accessible standard for grandparents when at least one parent is deceased, parents are divorced, or parents live separate and apart: requires proof that parents are unreasonably depriving grandparent of visitation (defined as denying contact for over 90 days), that visitation won't interfere with parent-child relationships, and that parents are unfit or compelling circumstances exist.

• Courts may set specific visitation terms including schedule, overnight visits, and other conditions in the child's best interest, and may consider domestic violence history when determining conditions.

• Grants visitation rights without creating parental rights for the grandparent and allows courts to terminate visitation in custody, parental rights, or adoption proceedings; courts may award attorney's fees and costs to prevailing parties.