When Grandparents Step In: Understanding Grandparents’ Rights in Florida

Published in Daily Business Review

In an article published on September 10 in the Daily Business Review, Family Law Attorney Rebecca L. Palmer discusses the complexities surrounding Florida grandparents seeking the legal authority needed to make essential decisions for their grandchildren after taking on the role of primary caregivers. The article helps families understand temporary or concurrent custody options, protect children’s stability, and respect parental rights when appropriate.

“Florida law specifically recognizes the gap that can arise when an extended family member is raising a child without a formal legal arrangement,” Palmer explains. “Chapter 751 of the Florida Statutes permits qualifying extended family members to seek temporary or concurrent custody and expressly identifies the authority that can follow, including consenting to medical and dental care, obtaining medical and educational records, enrolling a child in school, and making decisions about testing and exceptional education.”

Palmer outlines why caregiving alone may not be enough when a grandparent needs to enroll a child in school, consent to medical treatment, or access important records. Families should document the caregiving arrangement and identify legal gaps before an emergency creates additional barriers for the child.

“Legal authority does not necessarily mean cutting a parent out of the child’s life,” writes Palmer. “When it is safe and appropriate, maintaining the parent-child relationship may benefit the child and can be consistent with a temporary or concurrent custody arrangement.”

Read the story in full; click here (subscriber-based).