Louisiana provides two primary legal pathways for grandparent visitation based on the parents’ marital status. Under La. C.C. Article 136, grandparents may seek visitation when parents are not married, not cohabitating, or have filed for divorce, provided visitation serves the child’s best interest. When parents remain married without filing for divorce, R.S. 9:344 governs with different requirements.

This distinction matters because each statute carries different conditions and burdens. La. R.S. 9:344 allows visitation only if specific conditions exist, such as a parent being deceased, incarcerated, or interdicted, or if parents have lived apart for at least six months with extraordinary circumstances present. For grandparents in Houma navigating post-divorce situations, Article 136 will generally control.

💡 Pro Tip: Before filing any visitation petition, identify whether the child’s parents are married, separated, or divorced. This single fact determines which Louisiana statute applies and can significantly affect your legal strategy.

When Can a Grandparent File for Visitation After Divorce?

Grandparents may petition for visitation in Louisiana when parents have divorced or filed for divorce. Under La. C.C. Article 136(B), a grandparent may be granted visitation if the court finds it in the child’s best interest. This right also extends to situations where parents were never married or are not cohabitating.

Filing Requirements in Terrebonne Parish

To initiate a grandparent visitation case, file a formal petition in the family court where the child resides. For Houma families, this means Terrebonne Parish. After filing, you must legally notify the child’s parents or legal guardians.

Louisiana law requires a contradictory hearing before the court rules on visitation. Under La. C.C. Article 136(C), the court must hold this hearing to determine whether to appoint an attorney to represent the child’s independent interests.

Situations Where Proof of Denied Access May Not Be Required

In certain circumstances, grandparents need not prove a parent denied them visitation before filing. Under La. R.S. §9:344, you may not need to show denial if one parent is deceased, interdicted, or incarcerated, or if parents have been living separately for at least six months and extraordinary circumstances exist.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep written records of every attempt to visit or contact your grandchild. Text messages, emails, and logs with dates and times can serve as valuable evidence demonstrating a pattern of denied access.

The Best Interest of the Child Standard for Grandparents Rights in Louisiana

Every grandparent visitation case in Louisiana turns on whether the court finds visitation in the child’s best interest. La. C.C. Article 136(D) identifies five specific factors the court "shall consider only" when making this determination.

The Five Factors Under La. C.C. Art. 136(D)

The court evaluates each case using these considerations:

• The parent’s fundamental constitutional right to make decisions concerning the care, custody, and control of their children, with the presumption that a fit parent acts in the child’s best interest (Art. 136(D)(1))
• The length and quality of the prior relationship between child and grandparent
• Whether the child needs guidance, enlightenment, or tutelage the grandparent can provide
• The child’s preference, if the child is mature enough to express one
• The mental and physical health of both child and grandparent

The first factor, parental rights, holds particular constitutional significance. Courts must recognize that fit parents are presumed to act in their children’s best interest. Grandparents should present evidence addressing each factor. To learn how Louisiana courts apply similar considerations, review our guide on the best interest factors in Louisiana custody cases.

💡 Pro Tip: Gather school records, photographs, and testimony from third parties who observed your relationship with your grandchild. Courts look for concrete evidence of a meaningful, ongoing bond when evaluating the prior relationship.

How Constitutional Protections Shape Grandparent Visitation Cases

The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Troxel v. Granville (2000) established that courts must give special weight to a fit parent’s objection to third-party visitation. The Court held that courts must presume fit parents act in their children’s best interests. Louisiana’s grandparent visitation statutes pass constitutional muster under this standard.

A fit parent’s objection carries significant weight, though it is not automatically dispositive. Louisiana courts can still grant grandparent visitation rights over a parent’s objection if visitation serves the child’s best interest. This outcome may be more likely when one parent is deceased or incarcerated, or when parents are separated or divorced.

The burden falls on the petitioner to overcome the parental presumption with clear evidence. Simply wanting to see a grandchild is insufficient. You must demonstrate that visitation genuinely benefits the child, addressing the specific factors in La. C.C. Art. 136(D).

💡 Pro Tip: If the other parent (your child’s former spouse) objects to visitation, consider whether your own child supports your petition. Having one parent’s support can strengthen your position, though the court evaluates all five statutory factors regardless.

Grandparents Rights in Louisiana When Parents Are Still Married

When parents remain married without filing for divorce, a different legal standard applies. Under La. R.S. 9:344, grandparents and siblings may seek visitation only when specific qualifying conditions exist: one parent is deceased, incarcerated, or interdicted, or parents have lived apart for at least six months and extraordinary circumstances are present.

This statute creates a higher threshold than post-divorce cases. If married parents live together and none of the qualifying conditions under R.S. 9:344 are met, the court may lack statutory basis to grant visitation. If parents have been separated for at least six months, grandparents may have standing but must demonstrate extraordinary circumstances.

Why the Marital Status of the Parents Matters

The distinction between married and divorced parents determines which statute controls and what evidence you must present. An experienced Houma family law attorney can evaluate which statute applies to your circumstances.

💡 Pro Tip: If the child’s parents are currently separated but haven’t filed for divorce, don’t wait. The six-month separation period under La. R.S. 9:344 may open a window for filing your petition even before divorce is finalized, though you’ll need to demonstrate extraordinary circumstances.

Steps to File for Grandparent Visitation in Houma

Filing for grandparent visitation in Terrebonne Parish requires careful preparation and compliance with Louisiana’s procedural rules.

Preparing Your Petition

Gather documentation supporting your relationship with the grandchild and demonstrating that visitation serves the child’s best interest. This may include photographs, communication records, school involvement, and statements from witnesses to your bond with the child.

Filing and Serving Notice

File a formal petition in the family court where the child resides. For Houma residents, this is Terrebonne Parish. Louisiana law requires you to legally notify the child’s parents or legal guardians.

The Contradictory Hearing

Before ruling, the court must hold a contradictory hearing as required by La. C.C. Article 136(C) and La. R.S. 9:345. During this hearing, the court determines whether to appoint an attorney for the child and allows both sides to present evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can grandparents get visitation if both parents object?

Yes, but it is more difficult.

Louisiana courts can grant grandparent visitation over a parent’s objection if visitation serves the child’s best interest. However, the court must give significant weight to a fit parent’s objection under Troxel v. Granville. Grandparents must present strong evidence addressing all five factors under La. C.C. Art. 136(D).

2. Do I need a lawyer to file for grandparent visitation in Houma?

Louisiana does not require an attorney, but legal representation is strongly recommended.

Grandparent visitation cases involve constitutional issues, statutory interpretation, and evidentiary requirements difficult to navigate without legal guidance. An experienced family law attorney can help prepare a petition addressing the court’s specific concerns.

3. How long does the grandparent visitation process take in Terrebonne Parish?

Timelines vary based on court schedules and case complexity.

After filing, the court must schedule a contradictory hearing. Contested cases generally take longer than uncontested ones. Delays can occur if the court appoints an attorney for the child or if additional discovery is needed.

4. What if my grandchild’s parent is incarcerated?

Incarceration of a parent may strengthen a grandparent’s petition.

Under La. R.S. 9:344, the parents of an incarcerated party may seek visitation with the children of the marriage if the court finds it in the child’s best interest. Courts may be more inclined to grant visitation in these circumstances, particularly if the grandparent has been a consistent presence.

5. Can grandparent visitation rights be modified after they are granted?

Yes, visitation orders can be modified if circumstances change.

Either party may petition to modify an existing visitation order if there has been a material change in circumstances. The court will again apply the best interest standard when deciding whether to adjust visitation terms.

Protecting Your Relationship With Your Grandchild After Divorce

Grandparent visitation after divorce is a legally recognized right under Louisiana law, but it requires meeting specific statutory conditions and satisfying the court that visitation serves the child’s best interest. From understanding which statute applies to preparing evidence addressing the five factors under La. C.C. Art. 136(D), each step demands careful attention. Courts in Terrebonne Parish take these matters seriously, and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.

If you are considering filing for grandparent visitation in Houma, Damon J Baldone & Associates is prepared to help you navigate the process. Call 985-868-3427 or contact us today to discuss your situation with a family law attorney who has extensive experience protecting grandparent-grandchild relationships in Terrebonne Parish.

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If you live in Terrebonne Parish and want to put your wishes in writing without a notary, Louisiana law gives you a straightforward option: the olographic testament. An olographic will is Louisiana’s term for what most other states call a holographic will. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 1574, the state recognizes only two forms of testaments: olographic and notarial. The olographic form allows you to create a legally binding will entirely in your own handwriting, without witnesses or notarization. However, the simplicity can be misleading. Strict formality requirements apply, and even a small misstep can render the entire document absolutely null under Louisiana Civil Code Article 1573.

If you have questions about whether a handwritten will meets Louisiana’s legal standards, Damon J Baldone & Associates can help you evaluate your options. Call (985) 306-8146 or reach out to our office to schedule a consultation.

Core Requirements for a Valid Olographic Testament Louisiana Residents Must Follow

Louisiana Civil Code Article 1575 sets out the essential elements every olographic testament must satisfy. The will must be entirely written, dated, and signed in the testator’s handwriting. No typed text, no computer-generated portions, and no filling in blanks on pre-printed forms. Every word must come from the testator’s own hand. These core elements remain unchanged after the 2025 legislative reforms to Article 1575.

The requirement that the testament be "entirely written" in the testator’s handwriting is strictly enforced. If any substantive text is printed, typed, or written by another person, a court may find the document fails statutory requirements. Louisiana Civil Code Article 1573 makes clear that failure to observe prescribed formalities renders a testament absolutely null.

💡 Pro Tip: Use the same pen and writing style throughout. Consistency helps establish authenticity during probate.

The Signature Requirement After the 2025 Reforms

Under the 2025 revisions to Article 1575, the signature no longer must appear at the end. Under Article 1575(B), the signature may now appear anywhere in the testament, so long as it identifies the testator and evidences intent to adopt the document as the testator’s will. This is a meaningful change from prior law, which required the signature at the conclusion. However, placing your signature at the end remains the safest practice.

The Date Requirement: What Changed in 2025

The 2025 revision relaxed the date requirement for olographic testaments. Previously, a complete date showing day, month, and year was generally expected. Under revised Article 1575(C), a date is sufficient if it "resolves those controversies for which the date is relevant," such as questions about the testator’s capacity, revocation of a prior will, or priority among multiple testaments. The date may appear anywhere and may be clarified by extrinsic evidence. A full date is no longer strictly required in every case, though the absence could become problematic if a dispute arises depending on precise timing.

💡 Pro Tip: Write out the full day, month, and year near your signature. A complete date eliminates potential disputes.

What Happens After the Signature: Additions, Deletions, and Extra Writing

Louisiana law accounts for modifications made after initially completing a handwritten will. Under Article 1575(D), additions and deletions made after execution may be given effect only if made by the testator’s hand. Additions and deletions need not comply with the formalities for executing a testament. Any markups, cross-outs, or inserted text made by someone else will generally not be recognized.

Because the signature may now appear anywhere in the testament under Article 1575(B), the distinction between pre-signature and post-signature writing is less significant under the 2025 reforms. If you want specific provisions included, the safest approach is still to place them before your signature and sign at the end of the document.

How a Louisiana Estate Planning Attorney Can Help You Avoid Common Pitfalls

The simplicity of an olographic will is both its greatest advantage and biggest risk. Because no attorney, notary, or witness is required at creation, there is no built-in safeguard against errors. Many well-intentioned handwritten wills fail at probate because they include typed text, lack a clear date, or contain ambiguous language. Working with a Terrebonne Parish estate attorney before or after drafting can ensure the document meets every requirement of Article 1575.

Small-business owners and parents of minor children in Houma and Terrebonne Parish face additional planning considerations a simple handwritten will may not fully address. An olographic testament can distribute property, but may not adequately handle business succession, tutorship designations, or trust provisions without careful drafting.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep your olographic will in a secure but accessible location and let a trusted person know where to find it.

Proving an Olographic Will at Probate in Terrebonne Parish

Unlike notarial testaments, olographic testaments are never self-proving. After the testator’s death, the will cannot simply be filed and accepted. Under Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure Article 2883(A), the proponent must prove it through testimony of two credible witnesses who can confirm the testament was entirely written, dated, and signed in the testator’s handwriting. The court must satisfy itself that the handwriting and signature belong to the testator.

Witness testimony may be provided by affidavit executed after the testator’s death, unless the court requires oral testimony. CCP Article 2883(B) allows this affidavit procedure as a practical convenience. However, this affidavit procedure does not apply to testimony concerning the genuineness of a will that is judicially attacked. Understanding how the Louisiana Code of Civil Procedure governs this process is important for anyone who may need to present an olographic will for probate.

• Witnesses do not need to have been present when the will was written or signed.
• Witnesses must be "credible," meaning they have sufficient familiarity with the testator’s handwriting to confirm authenticity. Louisiana jurisprudence recognizes this includes persons familiar with the testator’s handwriting and handwriting experts.
• The court retains authority to require live testimony if not satisfied by affidavits alone.

💡 Pro Tip: Consider sharing a sample of your handwriting with people who may later serve as witnesses. Friends, family members, or colleagues who regularly received handwritten notes from you may be strong candidates.

Key Differences Between Olographic and Notarial Testaments

Choosing between Louisiana’s two testament forms depends on your circumstances, goals, and comfort level with legal formalities. An olographic will requires no witnesses or notary at execution, making it accessible and private. A notarial testament involves a notary and two witnesses during signing but may qualify as self-proving if additional probate requirements are met, simplifying administration. For Houma and Terrebonne Parish residents, the trade-off often comes down to convenience now versus ease of administration later.

An olographic testament places the burden of proof on the proponent at probate, while a notarial testament generally does not. If ensuring a smooth succession process for your loved ones is a priority, this distinction matters. Many people start with an olographic will as an interim measure and later formalize their wishes through a notarial testament. To learn more about whether your current document meets the legal standard, review our discussion on whether your handwritten will is valid in Terrebonne.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does an olographic will in Louisiana need to be notarized?

No. An olographic testament does not require notarization or witnesses at creation. Under Louisiana Civil Code Article 1575(A), it must only be entirely written, dated, and signed in the testator’s own handwriting. However, it will need to be proved through witness testimony at probate.

2. Can I type part of my olographic will and handwrite the rest?

No. Any typed, printed, or computer-generated text may cause the entire document to fail. Louisiana Civil Code Article 1573 states that failure to observe prescribed formalities renders a testament absolutely null. The entire testament must be in the testator’s handwriting.

3. What happens if my olographic will has no complete date?

Under the 2025 revisions to Article 1575(C), a date is sufficient if it resolves those controversies for which the date is relevant, such as questions about capacity or priority among multiple wills. Extrinsic evidence may clarify the date. An incomplete date could be challenged if a dispute arises depending on precise timing. Including a full date remains strongly advisable.

4. How many witnesses are needed to probate an olographic will in Louisiana?

Two credible witnesses must testify that the testament was entirely written, dated, and signed in the testator’s handwriting. This requirement comes from CCP Article 2883(A). These witnesses do not need to have been present during creation, but must be familiar enough with the testator’s handwriting to confirm authenticity.

5. Can I make changes to my olographic will after signing it?

Yes, but only if the changes are made entirely in your own handwriting. Under Article 1575(D), additions and deletions made after execution may be given effect only if made by the testator’s hand. However, the court ultimately determines whether and how to give effect to such modifications.

💡 Pro Tip: If you need significant changes, consider drafting an entirely new document rather than making extensive handwritten edits. A clean, legible will reduces the risk of confusion during probate.

Protecting Your Wishes With a Properly Drafted Olographic Will

A valid olographic testament can be a powerful estate planning tool for Terrebonne Parish residents, but only when it strictly complies with Louisiana law. Every element matters: the handwriting, the signature, the date, and even how you handle additions or corrections. The 2025 reforms to Civil Code Article 1575 have introduced welcome flexibility around dates and signature placement, yet the fundamental requirements remain demanding. Understanding these rules now can spare your loved ones unnecessary difficulty during an already challenging time.

If you are considering an olographic will or want to ensure an existing handwritten testament meets current Louisiana requirements, Damon J Baldone & Associates is here to guide you. Call (985) 306-8146 or contact us today to discuss your estate planning needs.

The post How to Create a Valid Olographic Will in Louisiana appeared first on Damon J. Baldone & Associates.

Key Takeaways: Louisiana Civil Code Article 136 governs non-parent visitation, including grandparents, former stepparents, stepgrandparents, and other relatives by blood or affinity (under extraordinary circumstances). Grandparents may petition for visitation when parents are unmarried and not cohabiting, or when they file for divorce. Louisiana Revised Statutes §9:344 provides additional pathways when parents are parties to a marriage and a parent dies, is interdicted, or is incarcerated, and it also addresses cases where parents live in concubinage (cohabiting) though interdiction is not a triggering event in the concubinage pathway. Courts weigh the child’s best interest against the parent’s constitutional right using five specific statutory factors. "Extraordinary circumstances" may be required depending on the family situation. An experienced Houma family law attorney can help determine whether your situation qualifies.

If you are a grandparent in Houma or Terrebonne Parish cut off from a grandchild, Louisiana law may provide a path to court-ordered visitation. Civil Code Article 136 governs visitation rights for non-parents in Louisiana, including grandparents, former stepparents, stepgrandparents, and other relatives by blood or affinity (under extraordinary circumstances). This law allows these individuals to petition the court for time with a minor child, even when a parent has denied access. Sibling visitation rights are governed separately under Louisiana Revised Statutes §9:344.

If you have questions about grandparents rights in Louisiana, Damon J Baldone & Associates can help you evaluate your options. Call 985-868-3427 or reach out to schedule a consultation to discuss your family’s situation.

What Is Civil Code Article 136?

Article 136 is the Louisiana Civil Code provision that authorizes courts to grant visitation rights to non-parents. It recognizes that children may benefit from relationships with grandparents, stepparents, stepgrandparents, and close relatives by blood or affinity, even when opposed by a custodial parent.

For grandparents, Article 136 opens the door to visitation in specific scenarios. Under Article 136(B), grandparents may petition for visitation when the child’s parents are not married and not cohabiting, or when the parents have filed for divorce. When parents are married and have not filed for divorce, or are living in concubinage, Article 136(E) directs that RS §9:344 applies, governing situations involving death, interdiction, or incarceration of a parent for parties to a marriage, and addressing concubinage (cohabiting) situations separately. Courts must balance the grandparent’s request against the parent’s fundamental constitutional right to make decisions about their child’s upbringing.

💡 Pro Tip: Before filing, gather documentation of your prior relationship with the grandchild. Photographs, visit records, and communications demonstrate the length and quality of your bond.

Who Can File for Grandparent Visitation in Louisiana?

Louisiana law grants standing to several categories of non-parents, but grandparents have the broadest access. Under Article 136 and Louisiana Revised Statutes §9:344, grandparents may seek visitation when:

• The child’s parents are not married and not cohabiting
• The child’s parents have filed for divorce
• Parents are married and a parent has died, been interdicted, or is incarcerated
• Parents are living in concubinage (cohabiting) and a parent has died or is incarcerated (interdiction is not a triggering event in the concubinage pathway)
• Parents of a marriage have lived apart for at least six months, and extraordinary circumstances exist

Siblings of the minor child also have standing under RS §9:344(C). This applies when one party to a marriage dies or is incarcerated, and the court finds visitation would be in the child’s best interest.

When Unmarried Parents Are Involved

The statute specifically addresses families where parents lived together without marriage. Under Article 136(E), when parents are living in concubinage, RS §9:344 governs visitation. If one parent dies or is incarcerated (interdiction is not a triggering event under the concubinage provision), the parents of that party may petition for reasonable visitation. This ensures grandparents are not locked out simply because the child’s parents were never legally married.

💡 Pro Tip: If you are a grandparent of a child whose parents were never married, you may still have a legal basis for visitation. Consult with a local attorney to determine whether Article 136 or RS §9:344 applies.

What Factors Do Courts Consider When Deciding Grandparent Visitation?

Louisiana courts do not grant grandparent visitation automatically. Every petition requires a fact-specific analysis using the best interest factors outlined in Civil Code Article 136(D). These are the exclusive considerations courts may weigh:

• The parent’s fundamental constitutional right to make decisions concerning their child’s care, custody, and control, along with the presumption that a fit parent acts in the child’s best interest
• The length and quality of the prior relationship between the child and grandparent
• Whether the child needs guidance or tutelage that can best be provided by the grandparent
• The child’s preference, if the child is of sufficient age and maturity
• The mental and physical health of both the grandparent and child

Fit parents’ objections carry significant weight. The first statutory factor requires courts to consider the parent’s constitutional right and the presumption that fit parents act in their children’s best interest. However, courts can still grant visitation over objection when statutory criteria are satisfied. To learn more about how Louisiana courts evaluate these considerations, review the 14 best interest factors in Louisiana custody cases.

💡 Pro Tip: If the other parent opposes your petition, prepare to demonstrate with specific evidence how your relationship benefits the child. Courts look for concrete examples, not general assertions.

The "Extraordinary Circumstances" Requirement

Not every grandparent visitation case follows the same legal standard. When parents of a marriage have lived apart for six months, grandparents may seek visitation only under "extraordinary circumstances," and the court must apply the best interest factors from Civil Code Article 136(D). Under RS §9:344(D), extraordinary circumstances include, but are not limited to, a court determination that a parent is abusing a controlled dangerous substance.

What Qualifies as Extraordinary Circumstances?

Substance abuse is the only example the statute expressly names, but courts may recognize other situations. The law leaves room for judicial interpretation, meaning the facts of each case matter. Grandparents seeking visitation under this heightened standard should be prepared to present clear and convincing evidence that circumstances are genuinely extraordinary and that visitation serves the child’s welfare.

How This Standard Differs for Non-Grandparent Relatives

For non-grandparent relatives, Article 136(B)(2) imposes the extraordinary circumstances requirement in all cases. The court may grant visitation to other relatives by blood or affinity, or to former stepparents or stepgrandparents, only in extraordinary circumstances and only if visitation is in the child’s best interest. Unlike grandparents, who need only satisfy the best interest standard when Article 136(B)(1) applies, these petitioners must always demonstrate extraordinary circumstances.

💡 Pro Tip: If your case involves the "extraordinary circumstances" standard, consider whether there are prior court findings or documented evidence of parental unfitness, substance abuse, or other qualifying conditions.

How Louisiana Compares to Other States on Grandparents Rights

Louisiana’s approach reflects a careful balance between parental autonomy and child welfare. Louisiana’s framework under Article 136 and RS §9:344 is more detailed than many states. A 50-state survey of grandparent visitation laws can provide comparative context.

What makes Louisiana’s framework distinctive is its statutory specificity. The law identifies particular circumstances, death, incarceration, interdiction (for parties to a marriage), concubinage, and extended separation, and assigns different legal standards to each. This is why working with a Terrebonne Parish grandparent rights attorney familiar with these statutes can make a meaningful difference.

Protecting Your Relationship With Your Grandchild

Filing a petition for grandparent visitation requires preparation. You must identify the correct legal basis for your claim, gather evidence supporting the best interest factors, and be ready to present your case in court.

Build your case early to strengthen your position. Document your relationship with your grandchild, preserve communications, and keep records of any attempts to maintain contact. If a parent has denied access, note the dates and circumstances.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a journal documenting your interactions with your grandchild and any denied visitation requests. Courts find contemporaneous records more credible than after-the-fact recollections.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can a grandparent get visitation in Louisiana if both parents object?

Yes, under certain circumstances. Louisiana courts can grant grandparent visitation even when both parents object, but the grandparent must meet the applicable legal standard. When parents of a marriage have lived apart for six months, the grandparent must show extraordinary circumstances. When parents are not married and not cohabiting, the grandparent need only satisfy the best interest standard, though parents’ objections carry significant weight.

2. What happens if my grandchild’s parent has died?

RS §9:344(A) specifically addresses this situation. If one parent of a marriage dies, the parents of the deceased party may petition for reasonable visitation rights. The court must find that visitation would be in the child’s best interest. If the parents were not married but lived in concubinage, RS §9:344(B) provides a pathway only when one parent dies or is incarcerated (interdiction is not a triggering event in the concubinage provision).

3. Do I need to prove "extraordinary circumstances" to get grandparent visitation?

It depends on your situation. If you seek visitation because a parent has died, is interdicted, or is incarcerated while parents are married, you generally need only show visitation is in the child’s best interest. However, if parents of a marriage have lived apart for six months, the extraordinary circumstances standard applies. If parents are not married and not cohabiting, Article 136(B)(1) requires only a best interest finding.

4. Can siblings also get visitation rights in Louisiana?

Yes. Under RS §9:344(C), siblings of a minor child of a marriage may petition for reasonable visitation when one party to the marriage dies or is incarcerated, and the court finds visitation would be in the child’s best interest.

5. How long does the grandparent visitation process take in Terrebonne Parish?

The timeline varies based on case complexity. Whether parents contest the petition, whether discovery is needed, and the court’s schedule all affect timing. Some matters may resolve within a few months, while contested cases can take longer.

Taking the Next Step Toward Grandparent Visitation

Grandparents rights in Louisiana are grounded in specific statutes that provide real, enforceable pathways to visitation. Whether your grandchild’s parent has passed away, is incarcerated, or the family is going through divorce or separation, the law recognizes that your relationship with your grandchild may deserve protection. The key is understanding which legal standard applies and preparing a case that satisfies the court’s requirements.

If you are a grandparent in Houma or Terrebonne Parish seeking visitation with a grandchild, Damon J Baldone & Associates is prepared to help you navigate this process. Call 985-868-3427 or contact us today to discuss your grandparent visitation case.

The post What Is Article 136 and How Does It Affect Grandparent Visitation in Louisiana? appeared first on Damon J. Baldone & Associates.