THE SUPREME COURT IS TAKING ANOTHER LOOK AT GRANDPARENTS RIGHTS

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neil

The Connecticut Grandparents visitation rights law has been challenged and the Supreme Court is going to hear the case. This is a mixed blessing as I understand it. The conundrum is that “IF” the supreme court allows the law to stand as it is, it will create a situation where it will not only be Grandparent rights that are recognized and protected, but others as well are invited to participate. The Connecticut law can be interpreted to include any third party interested in the child/children to be allowed to intervene in a court case. This potential for broad interpretation is not only a very high hurdle for the Supreme Court to get over, it is for me as well.

There are a couple major impediments to Grandparents Rights in the Connecticut law as it pertains to this case in this court at this time. First and foremost is the fact that the constitution clearly defines, in three different sections, and protects the rights of FIT parents to raise their children as they think best for the child. On this point I understand the wisdom of our founding fathers. The second major obstacle is this potential for broad interpretation of the Connecticut law in conjunction with the well founded fears of parents perceiving that they now would have to defend their Constitutional rights against anyone who chooses to challenge them. I know this is an overstatement but you can see their point.

I will be following this closely and let you know how it comes out.

My approach is different than most on this issue. I have read the literature and I can’t imagine that we will EVER solve this very important issue with more and different laws. We will keep on tweeking the laws but I am reminded of one of Albert Einstein’s quotes; “We will never solve a problem at the same intellectual level that it was created.”

We have a HUUUUUUUUGE problem of misunderstanding and emotional leave taking (on both sides of this issue) affecting the best outcome for lots of grandchildren and extended families. It is my goal to be part of the solution as evidenced by this ongoing dialogue and raising of issues. I don’t have the answer but I will continue to raise the questions and increase the awareness as long as I am able. My hope is that you will join in the quest for the best interest of Grandchildren everywhere.

My hope for you is Great Grandparenting. Grandpa NEIL

neil

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Kevin says:

November 18, 2011 at 6:20 pm

Neil,

Please check your source on this as I think there is some confusion out there since an AP story by Stephanie Reitz on GPV was published a few weeks ago. I know for a fact it is the Alabama Supreme Court decision that the US Supreme Court is considering accepting cert. on, although they have not done so yet (they have asked for briefs from both sides). I do not know of any CT case being considered by the Supreme Court but if you know of one please post a link to the story. The CT grandparent visitation task force will take their findings to the General Assembly in February, not the Supreme Court.