MS HB707

Amends Mississippi Code sections 93-16-1, 93-16-3, 93-16-5, and 93-16-7 to extend grandparents' visitation rights to great-grandparents of minor children.

Great-grandparents may petition chancery court for visitation rights if they have established a viable relationship with the child and visitation is in the child's best interests.

Defines "viable relationship" as financial support for at least 6 months, frequent visitation including overnight stays for at least 1 year, or childcare during parent's incarceration or military duty.

Courts may order petitioners to pay reasonable attorney's fees and court costs to parents if the petition is denied in whole or in part.

Effective July 1, 2015.