IN HB1159

Extends grandparent visitation rights to great-grandparents, allowing them to petition for visitation with great-grandchildren under the same circumstances previously available only to grandparents

Adds a new basis for seeking visitation: when a grandparent or great-grandparent has had meaningful contact with a child but the parent terminated visits due to an estrangement between the parent and the grandparent/great-grandparent

Establishes specific factors courts must consider when determining best interests of the child, including: age and sex of the child, wishes of all parties, child's relationships with parents and grandparents/great-grandparents, mental and physical health of all individuals, evidence of domestic violence, and whether the grandparent/great-grandparent has cared for the child

Gives greater weight to the wishes of children who are at least 14 years old when determining visitation rights

Takes effect upon passage and applies conforming changes throughout Indiana family law statutes regarding custody, parenting time, and relocation proceedings