At Steven H. Klein & Associates, P.C., we believe that children are raised best when they are surrounded by their family members. Proper development of self-esteem, stability and identity are deeply interconnected with cooperative community ties within the family. If you are a grandparent seeking to establish visitation rights with your grandchild, contact our family law attorney. We would be proud to offer you the compassionate legal support and highly effective guidance that you require in order to achieve your goals. Although your rights are more vulnerable, you do have limited visitation rights to your grandchild under law. However, if the parents of your grandchild are living and married, you do not have the right to see your grandchild. A parent’s decision to keep his or her child away from a grandparent is generally validated by law. If the parents are divorced, the child is in non-parent custody, the parents are separated, or one of the parents has died, you have the right to remain in contact with your grandchild. Let us help you take advantage of your rights!
Do You Want To Establish
Grandparents’ Rights?
Grandparent’s play a significant role in the lives and upbringing of their grandchildren. Our family lawyer is passionate about protecting that role.
Contact Us TodayGrandparents’ Rights Attorney
Helping Grandparents Maintain Family Ties: (845) 249-2031
When Can I Request Visitation Or Custody?
It is important to understand that the court will only grant visitation rights to a grandparent if he or she had a prior bond with the grandchild. State court understands that the continuation of this bond is within the best interests of the child.
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When A Parent Passed Away
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When A Stepparent Has Adopted The Grandchild
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When The Grandchild Is No Longer Living With Either Parent
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When One Parent Has Been Sent To Jail, Prison Or Institutionalized
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When The Parents Are Not Married To One Another
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When A Divorce Or Other Proceeding Is Pending
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When One Of The Parents Has Not Been Located For One Month
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When The Parents Are Married But Separated On An Indefinite Basis
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When One Of The Parents Applies With The Grandparents
Frequently Asked Questions
We Have The Answers That You Need
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Questions
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When Can I Sue For Visitation Rights?
Answer
You are entitled to sue for visitation rights under the following circumstances: the parents of your grandchild no longer live together, one of the parents of your grandchild has been missing for more than 30 days, your grandchild does not want to live with his or her biological parents, the step-parent of your grandchild has adopted him or her.
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Can Court Ordered Visitation Be Modified Or Terminated?
Answer
Yes, a court ordered grandparent visitation order can be modified or terminated. However, the party seeking to terminate or modify the visitation order must file a Motion to Modify in District Court. In addition, if the original grandparent visitation agreement was pursuant to an Agreed Visitation Order, the party seeking to modify or terminate the agreements will be required to prove the change of circumstances. In addition, the party seeking to modify or terminate must show that this action is within the best interests of the child.
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As A Grandparent, Can I Be The Legal Guardian?
Answer
A grandparent can be the legal guardian of his or her grandchild. In fact, guardianship may be necessary for a number of reasons including the following: the parent’s health, the parent’s military duty (requiring him or her to leave the country) or parental unfitness. Guardianship can be granted with our without the agreement of the parent(s). If granted despite the objection of the parent(s), the court determined it would be within the best interest of the child to grant guardianship to the child’s grandparent(s).
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Meet Steven H. Klein
Aggressive Legal Guidance. Compassionate Approach.
Attorney Steven H. Klein has been dedicated to helping clients navigate the legalities of family law for more than two decades. At New York Law School, he won first place in Writing and Oral Advocacy in the Froessel Moot Court Competition, represented his school on the National Moot Court Team, & received the William Kappelman Award for Excellence in Oral Advocacy. He graduated in 1997 with honors.
Facing a divorce, custody battle, or other legal matter can be overwhelming. Our firm has over 60 years of shared legal experience and the necessary knowledge and resources to help you pursue the best possible outcome. We understand that family matters can be extremely stressful—that’s why we take a personalized, compassionate approach!
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Meet Louis M. Klein
Tough. Dedicated. Experienced.
Louis M. Klein began practicing law in 1967 after graduating New York University with his B.S. degree and Brooklyn Law School with his J.D. He first joined his father’s law firm before becoming a partner in Ewig, Klein & Klein. In addition to being a renowned Poughkeepsie family attorney, Lou has been very active in the area of civic and community affairs. In 1970, he was appointed Town Attorney of the Town of Esopus in Ulster County, a position that he held until he was elected to the Ulster County Legislature in 1971.
He later served as Minority Leader (1976-1977) and Chairman (1978-1979) of the Ulster County Legislature. In 1983, he was elected to his first of three consecutive three-year terms as a member of the Kingston City Schools Board of Education. Lou was elected President of the Board of Education for six one-year terms. More recently, he served as the Vice Chairman of the Ulster County Charter Commission.
In addition to several other civic activities and affiliations, he has served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Congregation Emanuel of the Hudson Valley, and President of the Lifetime Learning Institute at Bard College. Lou presently serves as the Chairman of the Ulster County Coalition Against Narcotics and the Ulster County EMS Advisory Board, having been appointed to those chairmanships by the Chairman of the Ulster County Legislature.
Why Choose Our Family Law Attorneys?
We Are Dedicated To Your Family's Best Interests
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80+ Years of Collective Experience
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Free Confidential Consultations
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Personal Attention & Responsiveness
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Steven Klein Holds a Superb AVVO Rating
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More Than 2,500 Cases Handled
We Have a Solid Reputation
for Compassionate & Effective Counsel
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“Thanks to him, I have kept my kids safe and happy, my house, and my life…and am forever grateful”
Caryl P
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“Steve Klein is hands down the BEST attorney in this area! During the darkest part of my life- he was my shining light- offering the support, guidance,and attention I needed to get me through. ”
Amy
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“An attorney you can trust to get the best outcome possible even in a difficult situation”
Elena G.
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“Steve's professionalism, experience, confidence, compassion, honesty and strength are beyond comparison, my gratitude and respect is endless”
Jason F.