MS HB1197

Allows grandparents not covered under existing law to petition chancery court for visitation rights with grandchildren upon meeting specified conditions.

Requires grandparents to establish a "viable relationship" with the child, defined as financial support for at least 6 months, frequent visitation including overnight visits for at least 1 year, or care during parent's incarceration or military duty.

Requires grandparent to prove the child's parent or custodian unreasonably denied visitation and that visitation would be in the child's best interests.

Specifies grandparent petitions must be filed in the county where a custody order exists, or if none exists, in the county where the child resides or may be found.

Removes language requiring grandparents to pay parents' attorney's fees in advance and court costs, effective July 1, 2015.