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Legal Information: Illinois

Custody

Updated: 
January 23, 2024

If I am the child’s relative, can I get visitation?

The following relatives may file for visitation with a child if certain circumstances are met:

  • grandparents;
  • great-grandparents;
  • stepparents; and
  • siblings, including half-siblings and stepsiblings.1

Visitation may mean:

  • in-person time with the child;
  • electronic communication, like phone calls, emails, online chats, or video calls with the child; or
  • some combination of both kinds of contact.2

You may file for visitation by filing a petition in the county where the child lives. You may also file for visitation as part of a current divorce case or other case involving parental rights and responsibilities for the child, such as a custody case.3

You may only file for visitation under this law if a parent has unreasonably denied visitation, and the denial has caused the child unnecessary mental, physical, or emotional harm.4 You can see more information at Under what circumstances can a relative file for visitation?

1 750 ILCS 5/602.9(c)(1)
2 750 ILCS 5/602.9(a)(1), (a)(4)
3 750 ILCS 5/602.9(b)(1)
4 750 ILCS 5/602.9(b)(3)