In most cases the relationship between the grandparents and grandchildren is a relatively good one. They visit them or talk to them on a semi-regular basis and enjoy a very unique bond together. However, sometimes things come up that prevent this type of relationship from being achieved. Sometimes the mother or father feels as if the grandparents are interfering, controlling or trying to take the children away and so they deny them the right to see their grandchildren.
Not many grandparents know this but there are laws against this type of thing. All 50 states have some type of law that allows grandparents to petition a court of law to see their grandchildren. The courts have started to recognize that the bond of a grandparent and grandchild could be almost as important as that of a mother/father and a child. For this reason they have started to grant grandparent’s visitation rights in order to see the grandchildren.
The rights granted to a grandparent will vary depending upon the state. Some states require that the grandparent list what they want as far as visitation and an agreement is reached between the two demands. Other states only allow occasional visitations and non-interference roles.
Of course, if a grandparent feels as if the parent is not doing the job of a parent they also have the right to petition the court for full custody. This is a bit harder to achieve and requires a lot of proof and an attorney to back up the grandparent’s claims but it can be done and will often protect the grandchild from dangerous situations.
If you are a grandparent who is being denied the right to see your grandchild, consider talking to a legal attorney about your state’s rights and what can be done. Remember that bond between grandparent and child is so very important.
