H. B. 4579

         (By Delegate Manypenny)

         [Introduced February 17, 2012; referred to the

         Committee on the Judiciary.]

A BILL to amend and reenact §48-10-501 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to domestic relations; grandparent visitation; and mandatory minimum visitation rights.

Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:

    That §48-10-501 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended and reenacted to read as follows:

ARTICLE 10. GRANDPARENT VISITATION.

§48-10-501. Necessary findings for grant of reasonable visitation to a grandparent.

    The circuit court or family court shall grant reasonable visitation to a grandparent upon a finding that visitation would be in the best interests of the child and would not substantially interfere with the parent-child relationship.

    Notwithstanding any other provision of this article to the contrary, visitation to a grandparent shall consist of a minimum of one visit a month for no less than four hours for each visit.

    NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to provide that visitation to a grandparent shall consist of a minimum of one visit a month for no less than four hours for each visit.

    Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from the present law, and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.