The best advice you can get regarding grandparents rights

Today statistics show that over 50% of all marriages end in divorce. Although it is traditionally accepted that this is hard on the parties divorcing and especially on the children involved, virtually no one talks about how hard this is on grandparents. This can lead many to conclude that though parents divorcing have many rights, grandparents have none.

In fact, one truth in this is that grandparents do have fewer rights when compared to parents. Certainly, the courts have not protected them as much as is proper. However, it is a myth that grandparents have no rights, and in fact every year in this country cases are decided in favor of grandparents.

Yet, when parents divorce the grandparents worry about many things, especially grandparents visitation rights. Some divorce situations can get ugly and the grandparents can suddenly find themselves shut out of seeing their grandchildren, a terrifying prospect.

It is important to be informed. As grandparents, you can use resources like The Custody Center to find out what the laws are and what options you have. As I said, while they aren’t what they should be they do exist, and in many cases grandparents can negotiate to enforce their rights without going to court or paying expensive legal fees.

Despite what some folks will tell you, grandparents do have legal rights to see their grandchildren in many states. Each state is different with the laws so it is best to research your states child custody laws. Grandparents need to try to work out visitation with the parents anytime it is possible, but if it is impossible there are options. The Custody Center can advise you of your grandparents rights in the state you reside.

Probably the most important point is for you to find out what rights you do have. Then, you can approach the divorcing parents about setting up visitation. Even in the worst situations, if you make parents aware that court is an option they will often work with you to avoid that (just as happens in most divorce proceedings between parents).

In the end, some grandparents do higher lawyers go to court. But the best advice I can give you after researching these issues is to avoid that by first obtaining all the information you can about your rights. You might find that your fears about not seeing your grandchildren can be alleviated quickly.

If you are in this situation I urge you to go to The Custody Center now and get educated about your rights, putting yourself back in charge of your life and your relationship with your grandchildren.

NEIL