Can grandparents of my child have a right to see my child if I don't want to?

Question

I never got along with my baby's dad's parents. They've disrespected me and just want it their way. They order me for them to see the baby, and tells me what I should and should not do with my son. My view is to get to the baby, you have to get through me. & Disrespecting me ain't really going to help.

They are now saying they will take me to court to get visitation & they have all right to. Is this really true??

Answer 1

Let them take you to court. Document their rudeness and hostility.
There is a small chance they could get some visitation if they can build a case that you are theone being hostile.
get your journal together.
tape when they leave messages and call your home.
Have them to authenticate that they are being rude and you are afraid this will hurt your child


It is VERY HARD for them to get court ordered visitation, it will be expensive and they know it
Otherwise they would have already filed and not just threatened them!

Answer 2

Hello My Dear, I am a retired pensioner and live in Australia. I am interested in your case as I have only one Son of 32 who has had no child as yet. I am so looking forward to being a Grandpa. It is sad that you do not get along with your In-Laws and the reality in life is there are some people who you just don't like. If they show no respect for you, what has made them feel this way? Look into yourself, have you been nice to them? I do not get along all that well with my Daughter In-Law however she is my Son's choice and I do my best to keep good relations with her. A most important part of this is not meddling in their affairs, this will cause friction in the relationship. My recommendation to you is to make peace with them. Go and see them on your own and tell them your problem with them, this will be difficult however it will be better for you and them if you can at least be cordial to each other. Holding bad feelings towards anyone my dear will not bring you any happiness and in fact will make you unhappy yourself. Forget the Legal bit, this will only make things much worse. I hope you can find a compromise my dear - Grandpa

Answer 3

They can take you to court for visitation rights, but their rights will be granted , determined by your input and the judges decision. Their wants are not a big deciding factor. Their disrespect of you would be damaging to their case as it is harmful to your child.Wants arem't the same as rights. Meanwhile I hope you are receiving child support. My ex's folks made all sorts of demands but I was only receiving about $40 a month for 4 kids. They backed off when they were embarassed by what a deadbeat their son was. You could get a lawyer first; it may well be worthit to consult one ahead of the game.

Answer 4

I'm almost certain that the US Supreme court ruled that Grandparents don't have parental rights, or specifically grandparent rights to demand visitation, or anything else in regards to their children's children. You certainly shouldn't rely on our answers, check with a lawyer. I don't believe you should cut them out of your child's life, but also don't believe they have any right or business making demands, or issuing ultimatums. Just make your point that YOU are the one who decides visitation, and try to let them love their grandchildren. They may well rub YOU wrong, but their motivation is concern for YOUR child, and none of us can ever have too many people loving our children.

Answer 5

In most states, biological grandparents can assert their right to visitation. If they take you to court, it's gonna get expensive. My suggestion is that you get a pastor or someone you trust to mediate. Then sit down with them and try to negotiate a reasonable visitation schedule. This should all be put on paper and signed, along with a clause that says that they cannot badmouth you in front of your children (you could agree to the same clause). Hopefully, everyone can try to be civil for the sake of your kids.

Answer 6

You may need a mediator. Be honest with them about how they are making you feel without shouting. Plan a schedule for them to see their grandson and plan what you will say in advance. This gives you authority with professionalism. Let them know that you are a separate entity from them. Just as GM doesn't tell Ford what to do -so they don't tell you what to do and you won't tell them what to do. Speak with a firm calm attorney like voice. Lay down the law and visitation privileges. They may become a good support system for you.

Answer 7

They have some rights, but their rights don't supercede yours as a mother.

The court can make the kids visit their grandparents or make them come to you at certain times of the year, but it won't be unreasonable.

Each state has different guidelines, so check with a lawyer in your area who knows family law.

If you know they are as bad as you say they are, document conversations, phone calls, emails and the like and have it ready in case you do have to go to court to show they are bad people.

Answer 8

Sounds terrible, you should forgive and try to forget and maybe you should not take your child's decisions as not to let her grands see him, he might take it upon you later when he grows up. I was brought up without my dad, not the same but similar situation, and I am kind of piss at the world for it, but got to forgive and forget.

Answer 9

News to me. I haven't heard this before, but with things how they are today it very well could be. I would seek legal counsel before they take their next step so you will know what is going on. Good luck.

Answer 10

Well, i have been thru this and every state is diffrent. contact the court to find out what your state laws are on GRANDPARENTAL RIGHTS. in my state there are none so there is nothing they can do about not seeing the kids.