Grandparents' Rights in Idaho

By Lindsay Nixon

As in most other states, grandparents in Idaho have a right to visitation with their grandchildren if the grandparents already have a pre-exiting relationship with their grandchildren under Title 32, Section 32-1008 of Idaho state law. Great-grandparents also have visitation rights in Idaho.

Visitation Rights

Idaho law permits grandparents and great grandparents to have visitation rights with their grandchildren in Idaho if such visitation would be in the best interests of the child or children. When determining a child's best interests, the court weighs heavily on whether the child had a pre-existing relationship with his grandparents or great-grandparents.

Best Interests of the Child

When determining the best interests of the child and whether court-ordered visitation with the child's grandparents would be best for the child, the courts consider the following factors: the wishes of the parents, grandparents and child, the interaction and relationship the child has with his parents, grandparents, siblings and other familial persons, the child's relationship with his community, the health and wellness of the child, his parents and his grandparents, and any history of domestic violence or abuse in the family.

Adoption

When a child is adopted, the grandparents' and great-grandparents' right to visitation with the child is terminated.

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