Grandparents’ Rights and Visitation

How Clay Law Helps Families Navigate Grandparents' Rights Disputes

Grandparent visitation disputes are emotionally charged situations that can fracture families. With over 30 years of experience practicing law, I provide strategic legal guidance that protects your rights while seeking solutions that serve children's best interests.

For Parents: I aggressively defend your fundamental right to make decisions about your children's relationships. Virginia law presumes fit parents act in their children's best interests, and I leverage this legal framework to protect your parental authority. I successfully use recent precedents like Williams v. Panter to strengthen your position, as demonstrated in my recent case where I represented a single father relocating to Florida. By filing strategic motions based on new appellate law, I secured a favorable settlement that protected his relocation rights while negotiating reasonable visitation terms—and recovered his attorney's fees.

For Grandparents: I provide honest assessments of your legal position before you invest in costly litigation. Virginia sets a high bar requiring proof that court-ordered visitation serves the child's best interests and that parents have unreasonably denied access. I help you understand whether your circumstances, such as a parent's death or incapacitation, or an existing significant relationship, give you viable grounds for a petition.

My Approach: I prioritize cost-effective solutions through mediation and negotiation when possible, preserving family relationships while respecting legal boundaries. When litigation is necessary, I bring comprehensive knowledge of Virginia juvenile and domestic relations courts across the Richmond region, proven ability to handle appeals, and strategic negotiation skills.

Why Choose Clay Law: I understand both Virginia's complex family laws and the emotional dynamics affecting your family. My track record includes successfully protecting parental rights, negotiating visitation schedules that work, and recovering attorney's fees for clients.

Attorney’s fees for grandparents’ rights and visitation cases begin at $3,600 plus costs.

Don't let these disputes tear your family apart. Call Clay Law today at 804.238.7737 for experienced, compassionate legal guidance tailored to your unique situation.