The Senate Civil Law Committee heard Sen. Randolph’s and Sen. Zay’s SB 27 allowing grandparent and great-grandparent visitation in certain circumstances. This bill allows a grandparent or great-grandparent to seek visitation if the grandparent or great-grandparent has had meaningful contact with the child but, as a result of an estrangement between the parent of the child and the grandparent or great-grandparent, the parent of the child terminated the child’s visits with the grandparent or great-grandparent. It also establishes factors for the court to consider in determining whether granting a grandparent or great-grandparent visitation rights is in the best interests of the child. The bill also provides that a court may order a party to an action for grandparent or great-grandparent visitation to pay a reasonable amount for the cost to the other party of maintaining or defending the action, including costs for attorney’s fees and mediation. Additionally, certain agencies are not required to pay costs.
This bill was heard for testimony only. Multiple individuals testified in favor of and against this bill. Representatives from the Indianapolis Bar Association and the Indiana Family Institute testified against this bill.
Read the bill at: https://iga.in.gov/legislative/2017/bills/senate/27