Child Custody - Parents vs Grandparents
In 2000, the United States Supreme Court made a landmark decision regarding the visitation rights of grandparents, according to which, it is the fundamental liberty of the parents to decide about their child's custody.
It includes the freedom to decide when and with whom can minor children spend their time and this is also applicable to grandparents.
While listening to the petition filed by grandparents for visitation rights, courts almost always consider the decision and wishes of the custodial parent.
Importance is given to the objections of the parent regarding the visitation of the grandparents.
Even in the ruling of Troxel case, the US Supreme Court advised parents to adopt a relaxed attitude.
It had urged them to strive towards building an amicable bonding between the grandparents and grandchildren.
Many legal experts have opined that one of the best ways to resolve such a conflict is to discuss the matter with the parents rather than involve the legal system.
Discussions can take place openly, through attorneys, via mediation, or through some form of alternative dispute resolution.
Communicating with the parent and grandparents can eliminate misunderstandings and can prove to be far more productive than intervention of the legal system while preserving the relationship at the same time.
Apart from this, there are certain general guidelines which can be followed by the grandparents.
When a parent of your grandchildren decides to remarry, it may be best to encourage and support him/her.
This can generate positive feelings and synergy between the parent, grandparent, and the children.
It is essential that grandparentsbe able to prove that their visits would be in the best interest of the children.
Therefore, grandparents would do well to avoid speaking negatively about the parent and avoid creating conflict.
With a little bit of perseverance and flexible behavior with the parents, grandparents may be able to build and preserve a consistent and caring relationship with their grandchildren which otherwise might have been severed.
© 2007 Child Custody Coach
It includes the freedom to decide when and with whom can minor children spend their time and this is also applicable to grandparents.
While listening to the petition filed by grandparents for visitation rights, courts almost always consider the decision and wishes of the custodial parent.
Importance is given to the objections of the parent regarding the visitation of the grandparents.
Even in the ruling of Troxel case, the US Supreme Court advised parents to adopt a relaxed attitude.
It had urged them to strive towards building an amicable bonding between the grandparents and grandchildren.
Many legal experts have opined that one of the best ways to resolve such a conflict is to discuss the matter with the parents rather than involve the legal system.
Discussions can take place openly, through attorneys, via mediation, or through some form of alternative dispute resolution.
Communicating with the parent and grandparents can eliminate misunderstandings and can prove to be far more productive than intervention of the legal system while preserving the relationship at the same time.
Apart from this, there are certain general guidelines which can be followed by the grandparents.
When a parent of your grandchildren decides to remarry, it may be best to encourage and support him/her.
This can generate positive feelings and synergy between the parent, grandparent, and the children.
It is essential that grandparentsbe able to prove that their visits would be in the best interest of the children.
Therefore, grandparents would do well to avoid speaking negatively about the parent and avoid creating conflict.
With a little bit of perseverance and flexible behavior with the parents, grandparents may be able to build and preserve a consistent and caring relationship with their grandchildren which otherwise might have been severed.
© 2007 Child Custody Coach
Source...