Grandparent visitation / custody rights

[afl]

Husband and wife have 2 kids in the house. 

The daughter is their biological child. The son is the wife's biological child by another man. The husband is therefore the son's step-dad.  Son's biological dad is a drug user who is nowhere to be found.

Wife had a fight with her parents (the grandparents of both kids). Wife (with backing of her step-dad husband) now refuses to let the grandparents (her own parents) see the kids.

1. Do the grandparents have any rights to visitation?

2. Could the grandparents file a case in court seeking custody (if facts show husband and wife are lousy parents)?

3. If such a case could be brought, would it be juvenile court or circuit court?

[Lee Borden]

1. Do the grandparents have any rights to visitation?
Courts approach this issue differently. In general, unless the child is a dependent (http://divorceinfo.com/blog/?p=216), most judges would be reluctant to substitute their judgment for Mom's about her own parents, but you may get lucky.

2. Could the grandparents file a case in court seeking custody (if facts show husband and wife are lousy parents)?
Yes. It would require a finding that the child is a dependent (and therefore in need of the court's protection).

3. If such a case could be brought, would it be juvenile court or circuit court?
Juvenile court.