Connecticut House Bill HB05831

Connecticut 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/23
• Refer: 1/18/23

Caption

An Act Concerning The Filing Of A Petition To Permit Grandparent Visitation With A Grandchild.

Impact

If passed, HB 5831 would significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding child visitation rights. The new provision would lower the evidentiary standard that grandparents must meet to gain visitation rights, which could lead to an increase in the number of cases brought to court by grandparents. Supporters of the bill argue that this is essential for preserving familial bonds and ensuring that grandparents can remain active participants in their grandchildren's lives, especially in broken familial situations.

Summary

House Bill 5831 aims to amend existing laws concerning the rights of grandparents seeking visitation with their grandchildren. The bill proposes that grandparents only need to provide clear and convincing evidence to support their petition for visitation rights in court. This change seeks to simplify the legal process for grandparents who wish to maintain or establish relationships with their grandchildren, particularly in cases where such relationships may be contested by parents or guardians.

Contention

The bill may face opposition from those who argue that it undermines the rights of parents to make decisions regarding their children's welfare. Critics could contend that loosening the standards for grandparent visitation may lead to unnecessary court disputes, placing additional strain on family dynamics during sensitive custody arrangements. Advocates for parental rights may push back against what they see as an encroachment on their authority in matters relating to child rearing and family definitions.