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FL S0124
Bill
AI Summary
- Expands circumstances under which a grandparent may petition for court-ordered visitation with a minor child beyond cases where both parents are deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state
- Adds a new provision allowing a grandparent to petition for visitation when one parent is deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state if the child resided with the grandparent for at least 6 months in the preceding 12 months, the child did not live with the surviving parent for at least 6 of those months, and eliminating contact would pose a substantial threat of harm to the child
- Requires the court to hold a preliminary hearing to determine prima facie evidence of parental unfitness or significant harm to the child; absent such a showing, the petition must be dismissed and attorney fees may be awarded to the respondent
- Visitation may be awarded only if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that a parent is unfit or there is significant harm to the child, that visitation is in the child's best interests, and that it will not materially harm the parent-child relationship
- Takes effect July 1, 2025
Legislative Description
Grandparent Visitation Rights
Last Action
Died in Children, Families, and Elder Affairs
6/16/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available