Relating to grandparent and great-grandparent visitation

This bill relates to grandparent and great-grandparent visitation. Under current law, a grandparent or great-grandparent may only petition the court for visitation of a minor child if the parent of the minor child, who is the child of the grandparent or the grandchild of the great-grandparent, is deceased. The court may only grant such visitation if the court finds by clear and convincing evidence that granting such visitation is in the best interest of the child, the presumption that the parent of the child is fit to make the decision regarding visitation is overcome, and the grandparent or great-grandparent has established a substantial relationship with the child prior to the filing of the petition. Under the bill, if a party objects to the petition filed, the court shall stay the proceedings and refer the parties to mediation. If an agreement is reached through mediation, the parties are required to file the signed agreement with the court for approval and the court is required to dismiss the petition. If the parties do not reach an agreement through mediation, the parties shall proceed to a hearing on the petition unless the petition is otherwise dismissed or withdrawn. The costs of mediation provided shall be borne by the petitioner.