(a) The provisions of this section apply to any pending actions for divorce, custody, legal separation, annulment or establishment of paternity.
(b) After the commencement of the action, a grandparent seeking visitation with his or her grandchild may, by motion, apply to the family court for an order granting visitation. A grandparent moving for an order of visitation will not be afforded party status, but may be called as a witness by the court, and will be subject to cross-examination by the parties.
(c) Motions or petitions for grandparent visitation shall be filed and heard in the family court except when an abuse or neglect proceeding involving the child or children is pending before the circuit court, in which case the motion or petition shall be filed and heard in the circuit court.
Structure West Virginia Code
Chapter 48. Domestic Relations
Article 10. Grandparent Visitation
§48-10-101. Legislative Findings
§48-10-102. Legislative Intent
§48-10-201. Applicability of Definitions
§48-10-203. Grandparent Defined
§48-10-301. Persons Who May Apply for Grandparent Visitation; Venue
§48-10-403. Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem for the Child
§48-10-501. Necessary Findings for Grant of Reasonable Visitation to a Grandparent
§48-10-601. Interview of Child in Chambers
§48-10-802. Grandparent Visitation Orders
§48-10-803. Supervised Visitation; Conditions on Visitation
§48-10-901. Effect of Remarriage of the Custodial Parent
§48-10-902. Effect of Adoption of the Child
§48-10-1001. Continuing Jurisdiction of Circuit Court or Family Court
§48-10-1002. Termination of Grandparent Visitation