Standing Up for Grandchildren When It Matters Most
Asheville Grandparents’ Rights Attorney
Sometimes the people best able to care for a child are not the parents, and grandparents step in to provide love and stability. If you are a grandparent worried about a grandchild’s well-being, you have options worth exploring.
I am attorney Steven M. King, founder of Five Points Family Law, and I help grandparents and other relatives across Asheville and western North Carolina protect the children they love.
These situations are delicate and deeply personal. I provide compassionate, clear guidance so you can focus on what matters, your grandchild’s safety and future.
Concerned about a grandchild’s well-being? Let’s talk about how you can help.
Grandparent Visitation
In North Carolina, grandparents may petition for visitation with a grandchild, though the court always weighs the child’s best interests and a parent’s rights in the process.
Seeking visitation is often more achievable than seeking custody, and I help you understand where you stand and how to make your case.
The goal is to preserve a meaningful relationship between you and your grandchild.
Want to stay in your grandchild’s life? Let’s explore visitation.
Third-Party Custody
When a parent cannot provide a safe and stable home, a nonparent such as a grandparent may seek custody. This is sometimes called third-party or nonparent custody.
To pursue it, you generally need to show that a parent is unfit or has acted in a way inconsistent with their parental rights.
I help you understand what that requires and build a thoughtful case focused on the child’s well-being.
Is a grandchild not safe at home? Let’s look at third-party custody.
Guardianship
Guardianship is another path for a nonparent to care for a minor child legally.
It can give you the authority to make decisions and provide a stable home when a parent cannot.
I help relatives petition for guardianship and understand how it differs from custody, so you can choose the option that truly fits your family’s situation and the child’s needs.
Need legal authority to care for a child? Let’s consider guardianship.
Adoption and TPR Overview
In some situations, a grandparent or relative may wish to adopt a grandchild and provide a permanent home.
Adoption usually requires that the biological parents’ rights be terminated first, through a process known as termination of parental rights.
I help you understand how adoption and termination of parental rights fit together, so you can see the full path ahead and decide what is right for your family.
Thinking about a permanent home for your grandchild? Let’s map the path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grandparents’ Rights
Do grandparents have visitation rights in North Carolina?
Can a grandparent get custody of a grandchild?
What is the difference between guardianship and custody?
Both can give a nonparent authority to care for a child, but they arise through different legal processes. I help you choose the right one for your situation.
Have a question that is not answered here? I’m glad to talk it through.
Protect Your Grandchild Today
When a child’s safety and stability are at stake, the right legal guidance makes a real difference.
I offer a 1-hour consultation where we can talk through your situation, answer your questions, and explore your options together. Taking this first step does not commit you to anything except the clarity and peace of mind you deserve.
Call Five Points Family Law at (828) 424-0370 or send a message through my website to get started.