The issue of grandparents’ rights can be a serious, sensitive and emotional issue, especially since the relationship between grandparents and grandchildren can be a special relationship. Because of the relationship grandparents have with the parents of their grandchildren, however, situations may arise where grandparents can become alienated from their grandchildren.
An organization which began in Florida helps grandparents alienated from their grandchildren and has rapidly grown and expanded throughout the United States and abroad to help grandparents when they have experienced alienation in relation to their grandchildren. The organization aids grandparents with strategies to help resolve differences that the families in question may have.
In addition, there is a new grandparents’ rights bill in Florida which proposes to allow grandparents to sue for visitation in circumstances when the parents of the grandchild are deceased, missing or in a persistent vegetative state. Though its application may be somewhat limited, if passed, it will be a positive step for grandparents’ rights.
Family law issues can be particularly challenging because they can sometimes involve complex, emotional and overlapping claims. It is important for families to be aware of their rights and the laws associated with the issues they face. The better informed families, including grandparents, are concerning family laws and their rights, the better the outcomes may be when they are faced with disputes. Positive outcomes may be possible when families work together, but that may not always be the case. This is why the family law process is available to aid in the process and facilitate resolution for families when they are unable to work together.
Source: Collier Citizen, “Making a Difference: Alienated grandparents now have more resources, support,” Joe Landon, July 28, 2015