SF2662 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Visitation rights to a minor child modification
Related bill: HF2804
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
This bill aims to amend the existing family law in Minnesota concerning visitation rights of minor children. It seeks to establish clearer guidelines and expand the provisions under which grandparents and great-grandparents can petition for visitation rights with their grandchildren, particularly after the death of a parent.
Main Provisions
- Visitation Rights after Parent's Death: If a parent of a minor child is deceased, the parents and grandparents of the deceased parent must be granted reasonable visitation rights, provided it is in the child's best interests and does not interfere with the child’s relationship with the surviving parent.
- Established Relationship Clause: Grandparents or great-grandparents can petition for visitation rights if they have had a significant and established relationship with the child.
- Clear Guidelines for Courts: The courts must consider:
- Notification of parents regarding the hearings.
- Whether a substantial and established relationship exists between the petitioner and the child.
- If granting visitation serves the best interests of the child.
- If the visitation poses any threat to the child’s physical or emotional health.
- The impact of visitation on the existing parent-child relationship.
- Factors for Consideration: In determining the established relationship and the best interests of the child, the court should consider:
- The history of personal contact between the parties.
- Actions by a parent or legal guardian to support or recognize the relationship.
- The overall benefit to the child's emotional and developmental needs.
- Mediation as a Tool: The bill suggests that mediation may be considered to resolve disputes amicably, reducing conflict between parties.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Expiration of the current subdivision 2 of section 257C.08 and replacement with updated guidelines and terms for grandparent and great-grandparent visitation rights.
- The newly added provisions account for substantial relationships and provide a structured framework for determining when court intervention is appropriate.
Relevant Terms
- Visitation Rights
- Minor Child
- Deceased Parent
- Grandparent Rights
- Best Interests of the Child
- Established Relationship
- Mediation
- Emotional Health
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading | |
| March 16, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Referred to | Judiciary and Public Safety |
| March 26, 2025 | Senate | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill modifies visitation rights to a minor child for parents and grandparents of a deceased parent.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies conditions under which visitation rights may be granted by the district court."
]
},
"citation": "257C.08",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
}
]