Can a grandparent Sue to see their grandchildren?
The grandparents may have heard that they have a legal right to see their grandchildren, and, if the family rift appears to be permanent, they may consider litigation. This reaction is understandable. Being cut off from grandchildren can be agonizing, especially when there has been frequent and close contact between grandparents and grandchildren.
What happens when grandparents are denied access to grandchildren?
When grandparents are denied contact with grandchildren, they may feel that an injustice has been done. The grandparents may have heard that they have a legal right to see their grandchildren, and, if the family rift appears to be permanent, they may consider litigation.
When do grandparents need to contact their grandchildren?
In these cases, grandparents may feel that they must have some contact with their grandchildren in order to keep at least a partial watch on their well-being. In other cases, grandparents may be well-advised to try reconciliation or to give the situation time to resolve itself. Some family disputes do blow over.
What are the legal questions about being a grandparent?
Your legal questions answered You may be a grandparent who is caring for or raising your grandchildren. You may be a grandparent who is concerned about your grandchild’s safety or well-being. Or you may have been stopped from seeing your grandchildren and would like to know what you can do about it.
The grandparents may have heard that they have a legal right to see their grandchildren, and, if the family rift appears to be permanent, they may consider litigation. This reaction is understandable. Being cut off from grandchildren can be agonizing, especially when there has been frequent and close contact between grandparents and grandchildren.
When do grandparents have to go to court?
Grandparents will have the best chances in court if they previously had a close relationship with grandchildren and if they have been completely cut off from them rather than having contact merely reduced. When grandparents lose their child who was the custodial parent of their grandchildren, they often long to bring up their grandchildren.
Can a court award visitation rights to a grandparent?
A court may award a grandparent the same visitation rights as they would award a parent who does not have custodial rights to the child. This only applies if the grandparent’s child is deceased and the grandparent has provided child support to the grandchild.
Can a grandparent have a relationship with a grandchild?
Grandparents do not have an automatic right to have a relationship with a grandchild. However, anyone who has an ongoing relationship with the child, or any other person who can show that they are concerned with the care, welfare or development of a child (including grandparents) may apply to the Court for Parenting Orders.
What happens when a grandparent gives unsolicited advice?
Too often, a grandparent’s unsolicited advice comes off as veiled criticism, which can breed resentment and drive a wedge between family members. If you need to vent, your partner, friends, and coworkers are ready and waiting.
What happens when grandparents take their children to court?
Some family disputes do blow over. It may take years to re-establish good relationships, but grandparents who take their children to court, regardless of the outcome, are likely putting a permanent end to any hope of a cordial relationship. Some families will benefit from counseling or mediation.
Who is the author of stories from my grandparent?
Susan Adcox is a writer covering grandparenting and author of Stories From My Grandparent: An Heirloom Journal for Your Grandchild. When grandparents are denied contact with grandchildren, they may feel that an injustice has been done.