Do grandparents have the legal right to see their grandchildren? Can parents refuse visitation? And when can grandparents actually take a custody or visitation dispute to family court?

After receiving so many questions from our followers about grandparents' rights, we're dedicating this episode of Country Justice Podcast to breaking down what the law actually says.

Former West Virginia Family Court Judge and practicing attorney Lera VanMeter joins Mike "Finney" Finney to discuss grandparents' visitation rights, parental rights, and when grandparents may be able to petition the court for time with their grandchildren.

With a focus on West Virginia grandparents' rights laws, Lera and Finney explore the difficult situations families face when relationships break down, parents and grandparents disagree, or a grandparent is suddenly cut off from a grandchild's life.

Does being a grandparent automatically give you legal rights? What does a judge consider when deciding whether grandparents should have visitation? And how much say do parents have in who gets to see their children?

These are emotional questions, and the legal answers can be more complicated than people expect.

Whether you're a grandparent trying to maintain a relationship with your grandchildren or a parent wanting to understand your rights, this episode offers a former family court judge's perspective on a subject affecting families across the country.

🎙️ Have a question for Judge Lera? Follow Country Justice Podcast on social media and submit your questions for our Ask Judge Lera series, where we're also exploring grandparents' rights in different states.

Country Justice Podcast provides general legal education, not legal advice. Grandparents' rights laws vary by state.