MN HF4821

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 257C.08 to create a new subdivision 3a allowing grandparents, great-grandparents, stepparents, or persons with parent-like relationships to petition for visitation rights to unmarried minor children.

Court may grant reasonable visitation rights if parents receive notice, visitation is in the child's best interest, and visitation would not interfere with the parent-child relationship.

Requires courts to consider three factors when determining if a parent-like relationship exists: significant personal contact with the child, whether either parent consented to or supported the relationship, or whether the petitioner provided significant child care or financial resources for the child's basic needs.

Repeals the previous subdivisions 3 and 4 of section 257C.08, which had specific residency requirements (12 months for grandparents, two years for other persons).

All provisions become effective the day following final enactment.