Neighbor News
Rep. France Supports Grandparent Visitation Rights
Submits testimony on behalf of a bill to help
HARTFORD — In a recent public hearing, the Judiciary Committee received testimony on a bill to grant grandparents the ability to petition the Superior Court for the right of visitation with a minor child. Visitation rights would be granted only if clear and convincing evidence is presented that such visits are in the best
interest of the minor child. As a co-sponsor of the legislation, State Representative Mike France (R-42) submitted written testimony to the committee in strong support of the bill, and provided direct testimony to the committee urging its passage.
“The state of Connecticut has already determined there is a role for government in ensuring the welfare of children, executed through both Judicial Family Court and Department of Children and Families (DCF),”
said Rep. France. “When making decisions related to children, there needs to be a recognition that grandparents can play a significant role in improving the quality of life of their grandchildren. I acknowledge and respect the general supremacy of parental rights in determining what is in the best interest of a minor
child, but believe that there should be consideration for maintaining a relationship between the grandchild and their grandparent. The courts should be allowed to make this determination while ensuring the best
interests of the children are met.”
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“Under current policy, a ‘parent-like relationship’ must exist between a grandparent and grandchild,” Rep. France continued. “But this can be difficult to demonstrate, especially if the parents are actively working to maintain a separation between the grandparents and grandchildren. Awarding grandparent visitation on the basis of proper and fair judgement is more in-keeping with the role of government when it chooses to involve itself in the life of a family.”
House Bill 7244, An Act Concerning a Grandparent’s Right to Visitation with His or Her Grandchild,
awaits further action within the Judiciary Committee before allowing the General Assembly the opportunity to debate this issue. Rep. France asks for your help in moving it forward for debate and a vote in the House by writing to the Committee via email at [email protected] (copying [email protected]) expressing your support for HB 7244.
