MN SF4540

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

Requires parents receive notice of hearings and courts must find visitation is in the child's best interest and would not interfere with the parent-child relationship.

Courts must consider whether the petitioner has had significant personal contact with the child, whether parents consented to or supported the relationship, and whether the petitioner provided significant child care or financial resources for basic essentials.

Repeals existing subdivisions 3 and 4 of section 257C.08, which previously required 12-month residence with grandparents or 2-year residence with other persons before petitioning for visitation rights.

Effective date is the day following final enactment.