St. Paul, MN family law attorney John Jerabek shares examples of third parties who might be granted custody or visitation. He mentions that he frequently sees grandparents, relatives, and other caregivers who have provided long-term care for children or who come to him seeking guidance on custody options. Sadly, he notes that these situations are becoming more common, driven by the prevalence of issues such as the opioid epidemic and mental health struggles. As those problems grow, he observes a significant rise in individuals pursuing third-party custody through both the juvenile court and family court systems.

He stresses the importance of understanding that the processes in juvenile court and family court differ. Having represented people in both, he knows that each path carries its own advantages and disadvantages. For that reason, he emphasizes the need to work with an attorney who thoroughly understands both systems and can guide clients through the pros and cons of choosing one route over the other.