MN SF45

Modifies grandparent visitation rights in family court proceedings by requiring the grandparent to not have physical custody of the child and requiring a hearing before the court grants visitation.

Adds consideration of whether parents or grandparents have been unreasonably denied visitation with the child as a factor courts must evaluate when determining if visitation is in the child's best interests.

Clarifies that grandparents or great-grandparents can petition for visitation rights if a child resided with them for 12 consecutive months or more without a parent present and was subsequently removed by the parents.

Establishes a six-month waiting period before a subsequent grandparent visitation motion can be filed after a prior motion has been denied on its merits, unless parties agree in writing otherwise.

Repeals Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 257C.08, subdivision 7.