Grandparent Visitation
19-A M.R.S. § 1803 — standing first, then the child's best interest
A grandparent has standing to ask for reasonable visitation with a minor grandchild when there is a sufficient existing relationship with the child, or another compelling state interest justifies overriding the parent's fundamental right to deny access. The grandparent files an affidavit under oath with facts showing standing, served on every parent and guardian.
Who handles this in Maine: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Maine directory.
If standing is shown, the court holds a hearing and may grant reasonable visitation in the child's best interest when it would not significantly interfere with the parent-child relationship or the parent's rightful authority, considering the child's age, the past contact, whether a parent has died, the child's preference and the stability of the child's home.
Sources for this section (1)
- 19-A M.R.S. § 1803 — Petition
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maine attorney.