Fighting for grandparent visitation rights during divorce

On Behalf of | Mar 18, 2020 | Firm News |

It’s no secret that human connection makes us stronger. If a divorce in your family puts your relationship with your grandchildren in jeopardy, a strong intergenerational bond is a cause worth defending.

As long as a bond already exists between you and your grandchildren, California law allows you to ask the court for visitation rights

What are the benefits of grandparent visitation?

Not only are grandparents a direct link to the past, but a research study conducted by Oxford University revealed tight-knit, grandparent-grandchild bonds can lead to:

  • Positive social behavior in children
  • Fewer emotional and behavioral issues
  • Fewer struggles with peers
  • Reduced negative side effects caused by teasing or parental separation

Before taking legal action or filing a petition for visitation rights, you can try resolving the situation with a mediated conversation.

Taking action

Emotions run high in a divorce and it may happen that your relationship with your grandchildren is in jeopardy. If you feel you have no option but to take legal action, you must then file a petition, which can take time and cause significant burden to all involved.

Before taking legal action or filing a petition for visitation rights, you can try resolving the situation with a mediated conversation with a legal professional or social worker. Participating in mediation has four main benefits:

  • It costs less than a lawsuit
  • It’s a quicker course of action
  • A meditation space is less hostile than a court setting
  • Mediation is more private than the alternative

But keep in mind, mediating your visitation conditions outside of court might not work in your favor.

Protect the intergenerational bond.

Don’t let divorce get in between your relationship with your grandchildren.  Find out what steps you can take.