LEGAL ISSUES FOR GRANDPARENTS

By Dr. Marion Somers, Ph. D., Ask Dr. Marion

QUESTION: I am a grandparent and my son and daughter-in-law are divorcing. She doesn't want me to see my grandchildren, so what can I do? Patty Lou in Alabama, 71

ANSWER: Hi Patty Lou,

Let's face it: more than half of today's marriages end in divorce, and it can cause many complications for grandparents who want to be involved in a grandchild's life. Grandparents must know their legal rights when families break up or when a parent is incarcerated, so you have to call a local lawyer about your rights as soon as possible.

The love of a grandparent for a grandchild runs deep and the legal system values and recognizes this support system and connection. The court system is now sensitive to the various modern-day family dynamics. When there's a divorce, especially if it's contentious, grandparents have to speak up for themselves so they don't get cut off from their grandchildren or future great grandchildren.