Jennifer Brandt authored a Martindale-Avvo article examining third-party custody rights and the circumstances under which non-parents may seek custody or visitation of a child. She explains that while parental rights remain strongly protected, grandparents, stepparents, relatives, and other caregivers who have played a significant parental role may, in certain situations, have standing to pursue custodial rights.
The article outlines the legal and practical challenges third parties face, including establishing standing and demonstrating that a proposed arrangement serves the child's best interests. Jennifer emphasizes that courts must balance parents' constitutional rights with the reality that meaningful parental relationships can extend beyond biological or adoptive ties.
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