In most cases, someone who is not a parent cannot get custody of a child. There are a few exceptions, though, like if the child's parents have abandoned or neglected them, or if both parents are unfit to care for the child. In these cases, a grandparent, sibling, aunt, uncle, or step-parent may be able to get custody.
Grandparents and siblings might be able to get visitation rights. For grandparents, they need to show that visitation is good for the child, and either one or both of the child's parents have passed away, or there's a special reason why the judge should be involved and consider visitation.
For siblings (including half-siblings), they also need to show that it's fair for the judge to consider visitation, and that visitation would be in the child's best interest. Siblings can apply for visitation rights if they are separated from the child, and someone is limiting their contact with each other.
Last Reviewed: July 24, 2023