MS HB1031

Amends Section 93-16-3 of the Mississippi Code to revise requirements for grandparent visitation petitions.

Requires grandparents seeking visitation rights to establish a "viable relationship" with the grandchild, defined as: financial support for at least 6 months, frequent visitation with occasional overnight stays for at least 1 year, or caring for the child during a parent's incarceration or military duty.

Grandparents must also demonstrate that visitation is in the best interests of the child and that the parent or custodian unreasonably denied visitation rights.

Changes attorney's fees provision to allow courts to discretionarily award reasonable attorney's fees to the prevailing party, removing the prior requirement for grandparents to pay parents' attorney's fees in advance.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.