What stance do the courts typically take regarding visitation requests from grandparents?

In assessing visitation requests from grandparents, courts typically evaluate such requests on an individual basis, often without a presumption in favor of the request. This approach acknowledges that while maintaining relationships with extended family can be beneficial for children, the specific circumstances surrounding each case must be taken into account.

Statutes may provide different standards, but generally, courts focus on whether visitation would be in the child’s best interests, considering factors such as the child's relationship with the grandparents, the parents' views on the visitation, and any potential benefits or harms to the child's welfare.

The stance of individualized evaluation allows courts to weigh the importance of the grandparental relationship against the parents’ wishes and the unique family dynamics involved. This careful consideration reflects the belief that not all grandparents have the same role or relationship with a child, thus making a blanket presumption inadequate.