Raised Bill No. 6490 - Grandparent Visitation Rights

• Repeals and replaces Section 46b-59 of Connecticut General Statutes effective October 1, 2021, establishing two separate pathways for grandparent visitation based on family circumstances.

• Defines "grandparent" to include grandparents and great-grandparents related by blood, marriage, or adoption; requires petitioner to prove a parent-like relationship exists and denial of visitation would cause "real and significant harm" (neglect or uncared-for status).

• Creates a standard pathway for all persons seeking visitation by requiring courts to find clear and convincing evidence of a parent-like relationship and real and significant harm, with courts considering nine enumerated factors plus history of regular contact for grandparents specifically.

• Establishes a separate expedited pathway for grandparents when parents are deceased, divorced, or living separately, requiring courts to find parents unreasonably depriving grandparent of visitation (defined as denial exceeding 90 days), that visitation won't interfere with parent-child relationship, and either parental unfitness or compelling circumstances.

• Permits courts to set detailed visitation terms including schedule, overnight stays, and other conditions in the child's best interest; allows prevailing party to recover costs and attorney fees; clarifies visitation rights do not create parental rights or prevent custodial parent relocation.