Fort Lauderdale Grandparents Rights Lawyer

Advocating for Meaningful Family Connections

Grandparents often play a central role in a child’s upbringing, offering support, stability, and unconditional love. When family dynamics shift due to divorce, separation, or the loss of a parent, grandparents can find themselves unexpectedly cut off from their grandchildren. Florida law makes it difficult—but not impossible—for grandparents to assert legal rights to visitation or custody. At Haber Blank, LLP, our Fort Lauderdale grandparents rights lawyers understand how painful it can be to lose contact with a grandchild and are here to help grandparents navigate these complex and often emotional legal situations.

When Grandparents Can Petition for Visitation or Custody

Florida courts strongly prioritize parental rights and presume that fit parents know what is best for their children. Because of this, grandparents typically cannot seek court-ordered visitation unless certain specific conditions are met. A grandparent may have grounds to petition for visitation if one or both parents are deceased, missing, or in a persistent vegetative state. In some cases, if a parent has been convicted of a violent felony or poses a danger to the child, courts may consider granting visitation rights to a grandparent in order to protect the child’s emotional well-being.

We help grandparents determine whether their situation meets the legal threshold and guide them in presenting a compelling petition. These cases require a clear showing that the grandparent has a substantial and meaningful relationship with the child and that continued contact is in the child’s best interest. Every case is unique, and we work closely with you to build the strongest argument possible under the law.

Seeking Custody of a Grandchild

There are situations where a grandparent may need to pursue custody rather than visitation. This typically arises when the child’s parents are unable or unwilling to provide a safe home. Substance abuse, incarceration, abuse, neglect, or abandonment can all lead a grandparent to step in as a primary caregiver. In these cases, Florida law allows for a variety of legal options, including temporary custody, guardianship, or adoption.

We understand that seeking custody of a grandchild is never an easy decision. It often comes from a place of deep concern and love. Our legal team helps you explore all available avenues and determine the right approach for your family. Whether you need emergency legal authority to care for a child or long-term rights as a guardian, we ensure the process is handled with urgency, compassion, and precision.

Building a Strong Legal Foundation

Grandparents’ rights cases are not simple family disputes. They involve high legal standards, complicated court procedures, and often strong opposition from one or both parents. To succeed, you must provide evidence of your role in the child’s life, the harm that would result from severing that relationship, and the benefit to the child of maintaining your involvement. We help collect school records, witness statements, photographs, and other documentation to show the depth and importance of your relationship.

Our approach is thorough and respectful. We know that these cases often involve sensitive family dynamics, and we always seek solutions that keep the child’s stability and emotional health at the center. If there is an opportunity to resolve the matter without going to court, we pursue it. If litigation is necessary, we are prepared to represent your interests firmly and effectively.

Protecting Grandparents During Family Disputes

Even when a court order is not involved, family conflict can sometimes push grandparents out of a child’s life. In high-conflict divorces or custody battles, extended family relationships may suffer collateral damage. We help grandparents assert their place in the child’s life and seek legal options when informal efforts break down. We also work with parents who want to ensure their own parents or in-laws maintain a continued and meaningful connection with their children, even after divorce.

Our goal is always to strengthen family ties, not create further division. We are skilled negotiators who can work with both sides to preserve relationships and promote understanding. When informal efforts fail, we have the experience and knowledge to take your case to court and present a clear, fact-based case for continued involvement.

How Haber Blank, LLP Can Help

At Haber Blank, LLP, we are proud to represent grandparents who are trying to do what is best for their families. We take a personalized approach to each case and provide honest, practical advice about your options. If the law supports your right to pursue visitation or custody, we will help you build a strong and persuasive case. If the legal path is not open, we will explain why and help you explore other ways to stay involved in your grandchild’s life.

We understand that this is more than just a legal matter—it’s a personal one. Our team will walk with you through every step, answering your questions, preparing filings, and representing you in negotiations or court appearances. We work hard to ensure that your voice is heard and that your role in your grandchild’s life is respected.

Work With a Respected Fort Lauderdale Grandparents Rights Lawyer

If you are being kept from a grandchild or believe that your involvement is necessary for their safety and well-being, we are here to help. At Haber Blank, LLP, we have the experience and determination to handle even the most complex grandparents’ rights cases. Contact us today to speak with a Fort Lauderdale grandparents rights attorney who will listen to your concerns, explain your options, and stand by your side as you fight to preserve your bond.