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I applaud you if you have gotten this far in this series but I guarantee you this is an essential part of understanding Grandparents Rights and the path to the only thing that matters; “The best interest of the child”. Today’s post deals with the 5th of 6 questions that Senator East posed in an attempt to standardize and federalize the issue of Grandparents Visitation Rights. His question was; “5.) If grandparents are to be given access to the courts to obtain the privilege or right to visitation with grandchildren, should there be obligations assessed, as well, for the support […]

Another  one of the 6 issue Senator East wanted considered was; 4) If access to courts to adjudicate Grandparents Visitation Rights is to be permitted, who shall bear the cost of that litigation? “The Uniform Marriage and Divorce Act gives the court discretion to assign one party’s cost and attorney fees to another party, based upon a consideration of the resources of both parties. This is an example of what has been done to allocate costs when they become a financial burden upon one party or another.”……….. ………..”Some states, I believe, have mandatory requirements  for representation of the child. Cost […]

In part 4 of THE STATE OF GRANDPARENTS RIGHTS I want to highlight how difficult this issue is. As Grandparents we need a little perspective on this issue. It is excruciatingly hard to stand by and watch a disintegrating family unit using their children as a lever to punish their spouse. This is precisely where we as Caring Grandparents need help. We must also understand that the complexity of the need for Grandparents rights lends itself to unintended consequences as well. Let’s take a look at the third Question this subcommittee wrestled with. Senator John East raise the following question and […]

In an effort to understand what this 1983 GRANDPARENTS VISITATION RIGHTS hearing before the subcommittee had to look at to recommend legislation of a Uniform Act let’s hear again from Senator John East in his opening statement of purpose to the committee. This is a huge question; 2) “If grandparents are to be given access to courts to seek visitation rights, how shall these rights be framed?” Here we get to what I consider to be the true crux of the matter. (THE BEST INTEREST OF THE CHILD). In Senator Easts words; “Let us presume that the decision has been […]

The following post is the first of 6 tests that the subcommittee looked at to see if GRANDPARENTS VISITATION RIGHTS could be considered for Federal Legislation in the form of a UNIFORM ACT. As you will see there is a rigorous process that any issue has to go through before it moves from being within the States Rights and becomes the law of the land. The first question posed by Committee Chairman, then Senator John East (R) OHIO  was “Should there be any legislation providing visitation rights to Grandparents at all?” Senator East’s first paragraph in his following comment sets […]

GRANDPARENTS RIGHTS are a matter for the States to determine. It is fair to ask; Why are their no Federal Laws governing GRANDPARENTS VISITATION RIGHTS?  I have written in the past about the one attempt back in the early 80’s to look at GRANDPARENTS RIGHTS at the Federal Level.  This will be installment 1 of an 8 part series of articles. The other parts will show up here in the days to come. I will then report on the conclusions of the subcommittee. In the Fall of 1983 then Senator JOHN P. EAST, (R)  North Carolina, chaired a subcommittee for […]

  Caring Grandparents will go to the ends of the earth to support and Affirm our grandchildren. It is not only the most powerful thing we can do but it is also a Grandparents Right. I know you care about your grandchildren because you have come to this site. I will warn you that caring isn’t enough. If you are among the 2.5 million grandparents actually raising grandkids then here is an essential bit of advice. If you see disaster coming the way of the family unit that you grandchild has been living in and the decision is made that […]

To all of the Caring Grandparents, Many events have transpired that have prevented me from keeping up with my efforts to promote Grandparents rights. I have moved from the Piedmont to the coast of North Carolina. Lots of other things have happen but the main thing is that I am re-energized when it comes to a Grandparents Right to be a part of each of their grandkid’s lives. Years ago I was a Youth Minister at our church and I told the parents each year that one of the most effective thing to help their teen through this period in […]

Exploring and learning is a great way to bond with grandchildren. Every opportunity to bond with our grandchildren enhances our Grandparents right by enriching these bonding experiences with fun. Utilizing these exciting, fun and educational science activities, you can have a blast with your grandchild in your own backyard. These experiments and projects will not only get you and your grandchild outside and active, but are also a great way to bond and create lasting memories together. 1. Critter Catching You might be surprised by how much wildlife there is in your backyard. A great way to help your grandkids […]