This is the next post in my series discussing the potential rights Las Vegas grandparents have with regards to their grandchildren. My last post discussed whether or not grandparents are entitled to see their grandchildren when their adult parent has opted out of the grandchild’s life. In this post we will be discussing a topic that is all to common- when an adult son or daughter is estranged from their parents and will not allow them to have a relationship with their grandchildren.
Las Vegas Family Court Judges will honor a parent’s decisions regarding children except in exceptional circumstances
The relationship between family members is complicated. It is not unusual for a parent and their adult son or daughter to have a falling out. It is also not uncommon for an adult child to prevent their children from having a relationship with the grandparents due to the relationship rift. The reasons for this may vary; sometimes the adult child uses their own children to punish their mother or father. It may also be that they just do not believe their children will benefit from a relationship with their grandparents. Whatever the reason, when relationship problems occur amongst family members, it can become difficult to maintain a bond with children who are stuck in the middle.
Unfortunately for grandparents in this scenario, the law is on the side of the biological parents. Biological parents who have full custody of their children are free to make determinations as to who is or is not involved in the lives of their children. A parent does not need to explain themselves to a Las Vegas Family Court Judge why they wish to prevent their child from getting to know a grandparent. Even if the adult parent’s reasoning for keeping the grandparent away is a matter of their own opinion, it is generally their right to make decisions regarding what adults are in their child’s life. In order to overcome these standards, the grandparent must show that they have had a strong relationship with the child previously.
Grandparents may have rights in Nevada if a strong relationship has been established with grandchildren
There are limited circumstances in which a grandparent may be able to ask the Court for visitation rights. If a grandparent has lived with the grandchildren for a period of time, or extensively taken care of the grandchildren, then the grandparents may have an argument. If abuse and neglect has been an issue for the parents in the past, a grandparent may also have an argument to ask the Courts for visitation rights. Families are complicated, however, the family Court will not wish to get into the details of family drama. If a grandparent has a legitimate request for visitation, a Judge will look at whether or not the grandparent can prove that a relationship is in the best interest of the child. If you have a well established relationship with your grandchild, and believe you may have rights, our family law office may be able to help. Contact us today for a consultation and learn more about your options.
