Under existing statutory law, grandparents may petition for visitation with their grandchildren under certain circumstances. The Alabama Supreme Court declared parts of Alabama's existing grandparent visitation law unconstitutional.
This bill would repeal the existing grandparent visitation law and replace it with a new grandparent visitation law that requires the petitioning grandparent to prove, by clear and convincing evidence, that the grandparent has an existing relationship with the grandchild and visitation is in the best interest of the child.
This bill would specify the factors that establish a significant and viable relationship for the purposes of establishing clear and convincing evidence. This bill would also establish the criteria and procedures for filing a petition.
Indefinitely Postponed
Allen motion to Carry Over to the Call of the Chair adopted Voice Vote
Third Reading Carried Over to Call of the Chair
Sanford motion to Carry Over to the Call of the Chair adopted Voice Vote
Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call 265
Allen Amendment Offered
Third Reading Carried Over to Call of the Chair
Allen motion to Carry Over to the Call of the Chair adopted Voice Vote
Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call 231
Sanford Amendment Offered
Motion to Adopt adopted Roll Call 230
Judiciary first Substitute Offered
Third Reading Carried Over to Call of the Chair
Read for the second time and placed on the calendar with 1 substitute and
Read for the first time and referred to the Senate committee on Judiciary
Source: Alabama Legislature