Ala. Court Strikes Down Law For Grandparent Rights

The Alabama Supreme Court has struck down a state law that guarantees visitation rights for grandparents.

MONTGOMERY, Alabama - The Alabama Supreme Court has struck down a state law that guarantees visitation rights for grandparents. The nine justices issued a 7-2 decision Friday stating that the Grandparent Visitation Act unconstitutionally violates the rights of parents. The judges say that's because fit parents might be forced against their will to let their children visit with grandparents.

The case arose out of a dispute in Jefferson County, where a couple used the law to sue for visitation with their grandchildren. The couple had a falling out with their son and daughter-in-law after a business deal went sour, and they were no longer allowed to see the kids.

A trial court granted the grandparents visitation, but that decision was thrown out on appeal.