We spotlighted what is often a key family law issue in our immediately preceding blog post. We noted in our January 14 entry the centrality of grandparent rights in many cases involving the best interests of children.
An in-depth online overview of New Jersey grandparent visitation rights notes a truism that many millions of Americans will instantly agree with. The article stresses that, “Having grandparents in a child’s life can have a very positive impact in a child’s development.”
That’s hardly surprising, right? Legions of families in New Jersey and across the country benefit in incalculable ways when children interact in a close and loving way with grandparents.
Reality must acknowledge, though, that smooth sailing does not always chart the course where family interactions are concerned. Problems sometimes exist that lead to grandparent/parent alienation and attempts by the latter to deny their own parents an intimate relationship with grandchildren.
And that can lead to court-tied proceedings. The above primer notes that when families reach the stage of court-requested visitation, “hostility between the parents and grandparents is likely to be high.”
There are obviously many reasons why one or both parents disfavor a continued grandparent-grandchild bond. This post skirts discussion of those in the interests of brevity and in lieu of underscoring New Jersey’s statutory scheme regarding grandparent visitation.
Relevant state laws addressing that subject matter are, in a word, complex. The aforementioned article stresses a court’s discretion concerning grandparent visitation determinations. Although broad, judicial oversight is tempered via a mandate to closely consider multiple factors relevant to grandparent, parent and grandchild contacts and communication.
That renders court decisions highly variable from case to case. The process readily invites focused and on-point input from a proven attorney having a deep well of experience in New Jersey visitation and custody matters.
Grandparents’ rights are at the fore of key concerns in some family law cases. Questions or concerns regarding this important subject matter can be directed to an established divorce attorney.
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