The family bonds between children and their grandparents are special. Unfortunately these relationships are often one of the first casualties of a divorce. When child custody and child visitation is finalized, grandmothers and grandfathers (on the non-custodial parent’s side) often lose contact with their grandchildren through no fault of their own—for example, when a custodial parent moves away, far out of reach of grandparents on the other side of the family.
Our law firm strongly believes in grandparents’ rights and in encouraging healthy relationships between the generations. Contact us to discuss grandparenting issues when parents are separated or grandparents and parents are alienated.
Following the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling in the case of Troxel v. Granville, states are grappling with how to constitutionally allow balanced grandparent access to children from broken homes.
When the courts are determining the extent of grandparents’ rights, they typically consider the relationship between the grandparents and children.
Have they spent time together in the past, or is this a new request?
Based on the closeness and longevity of the relationship, and barring any abusive history, it is possible for grandparents to remain a part of their grandkids’ lives for years to come.