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MO HB973
Bill
Status
3/28/2013
Primary Sponsor
Rick Stream
Click for details
AI Summary
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Courts may grant reasonable visitation rights to grandparents when parents file for divorce, one parent is deceased, the child has resided with the grandparent for at least six months within a twenty-four month period, or the grandparent is unreasonably denied visitation for over ninety days.
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When both parents are legally married and living together with the child, a rebuttable presumption exists that the parents know what is in the child's best interest, and grandparents cannot file for visitation based on ninety-day denial alone.
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Courts must determine that visitation is in the child's best interest and will not endanger the child's physical health or impair emotional development before ordering grandparent visitation.
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Courts may appoint a guardian ad litem (an attorney licensed in Missouri) to represent the child's interests, order a home study, consult with the child about their preferences, and award reasonable attorney fees to the prevailing party.
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Grandparent visitation rights may terminate upon adoption of the child, and courts may impose reasonable conditions or restrictions on visitation.
Legislative Description
Changes the laws regarding the granting of grandparent visitation
Last Action
Referred: Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities(H)
5/17/2013