Roberts v. Ward

The issue presented by this appeal is whether a petition by grandparents seeking visitation rights with their grandchild, outside the marital dissolution context provided for by statute, states a cause of action over which the superior court has jurisdiction. We reverse the superior court’s dismissal of the petition, and remand.

On March 19, 1984, Frank and Patricia Roberts petitioned for defined and regular rights of visitation with their grandchild, Trisha Ann Doe, as consistent with the best interests of that child.

In their petition the Robertses alleged that they are the natural maternal…