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catholicgirl · Dec 16, 2005, 04:39 PM

I mistakenly posted this in the wrong section.

Do grandparents have any legal ability to petition for visitation rights with their grandbaby if the baby's parents are married to each other and agree they do not want grandparents having access to the child?

CaptainForest · Dec 16, 2005, 06:14 PM

Unfortunately they do not.

That is, provided that the parents aren’t abusing the child or anything crazy like that.

But if their only fault is not letting the grandparents see the kid, there is nothing that can be done.

The grandparents can cut the parent out of their will, but other than that, nothing really.

nymphetamine · Dec 16, 2005, 07:23 PM

Well that answers a question for me. I was always told they could. I don't want my exhusbands parents near my children for very good reasons. Their well being would be compromised if I was forced to have them around those people. I will move to Alaska before that happens.

nymphetamine · Dec 16, 2005, 07:38 PM

Well that answers a question for me. I was always told they could. I don't want my exhusbands parents near my children for very good reasons. Their well being would be compromised if I was forced to have them around those people. I will move to Alaska before that happens.

CaptainForest · Dec 16, 2005, 09:03 PM

Crankiebabie, I was answering catholicgirl in response to the parents being married to each other.

However, in the case where the parents are divorced, the waters become much more murky and uncertain. So in your case, they potentially could get some form of custody. Of course, potentially, doesn't meant they would, it just means they have some sort of shot if they tried.

nymphetamine · Dec 16, 2005, 09:13 PM

I managed to post twice. Go figure. Well,Alaska looks pretty nice this time of year.

Fr_Chuck · Dec 16, 2005, 09:56 PM

It will vary greatly from state to state.

And the worst situation will be if the grandchildren live out of state.
The state of residence will seldom honor an out of state visitation rights
( lived though that in a nightmare in Texas before)

Next even if the court grants it, but the person with custody does not wish to allow it, don't count on the court having much inforcement.

fredg · Dec 17, 2005, 05:32 AM

Hi, catholicgirl,
As another stated; no, grandparents don't have legal rights when it comes to their grandchildren; only the parents themselves.
It must be a pretty bad situation for any parent not wanting their child to see their grandparents. Children need their parents, as well as other members of their family, but I'm sure this is an "extreme" situation.
I do wish them the best of luck.

catholicgirl · Dec 21, 2005, 05:51 PM

Actually, you would be right that the grandparents in question are very difficult people. One in particular is not diagnosed but her behavior indicates she has Borderline Personality Disorder. Highly manipulative, exists in a world of heroes and villains and it changes arbitrarily from day to day. She comes up with wild theories and believes her perception to be absolute Gospel truth. Everyone caters to her version of events so as to not set her off, but really it only contributes to her fantasy world.

The child in question is as yet unborn, but the parents are seeking to be sure they are safe in retaining the ability to set boundaries and not allow grandparent visitation for the baby on the way. In the past, other grandchildren have been used as pawns and the parents don't want to see this happen to their baby.

Thank you for the information.