What legal rights does a grandparent have?

Question

My mother and sister have had a falliing out. My siste is in a complicated, not always very healthy relationship and my mother has tried to be supportive and be there for my sister. my sister has apparently reconciled with her husband and has pretty much cut of all ties to her family. my concern is with her 3 kids. They are close to my mother and miss her but my sister won't let them visit my mom.Is there anything that can be done about it?Does my mom have any rights?

Answer 1

Depends on what state has the grandparent laws.

Answer 2

Grandparents do have some rights but they do not have parental rights. In the past few years there have been some important legal decisions handed down from the US courts in regard to the rights of Grandparents. Your Mother's rights to in regard to her grandchildren depend greatly on the State she lives in and where the children live.


Here are a few links.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/judicial/2006-09-12-grandparents-favored_x.htm
http://law.enotes.com/everyday-law-encyclopedia/grandparents-rights

If things get too bad; your Mom may want to confer with a lawyer and set up legal visitation through the court.

Answer 3

it depends on the state you live in, most states have a "grandparents clause" (gives grandparents visitation rights) but they would have to take it all to court and basically petition for visitation rights, like parents would in custody suits

Answer 4

Your sister needs to grow up.She is hurting her own kids,not just her mother.One day her own kids may do the same thing to her because that is what she is teaching them to do when they get mad at their parents.Some people don`t know how to forgive or let things go.Pay back doesn`t help anything. It most likely will make things worse.

Answer 5

You would actually be suprised, Grandparents have ALOT of right, check with your local court house they may be able to file for visitation.

Answer 6

If she feels that the kids are in danger mentally or otherwise then she and petition to get custody. She'd have to prove why she feels things are bad.

Answer 7

Sorry, but no, she does not really have any rights. If she feels the children's safety is compromised she can contact social services, but that certainly won't make it easier to see the kids.

Answer 8

Unfortunately, in most states, grandparents don't have any rights. You can check with the probate court, in your county, and they can tell you whether or not she has any rights.

Answer 9

grandparents rights..go to family court and apply for week end visits............the courts have a special group of lawyers..just for us...