The bond between grandparents and grandchildren is powerful. Grandparents offer wisdom, stability, and unconditional love, and grandchildren bring joy and energy to the relationship. Sadly, these relationships can be destroyed when grandparents are denied access to their grandchildren. A Litchfield child custody lawyer can fight to help you repair that relationship by asserting your grandparents’ rights.
Rich Rochlin Family Law has earned an “A” rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and you’ll quickly see why when you partner with a grandparents rights lawyer in Litchfield from our team. We’ll treat you and your situation with dignity and calm while fighting relentlessly to uphold your rights.
Grandparents Play an Important Role in Their Grandchildren’s Lives
Grandparents provide guidance and stability in their grandchildren’s lives. These benefits support the flourishing of any child, but are especially important when other conflicts affect the child’s life. Sometimes, those conflicts threaten the grandchild-grandparent relationship, even as the child needs that guidance and stability most.
Don’t ignore signs of breakdown. Note the changes occurring in your relationship, when those changes started, and what they are. Evaluate whether the family situation overall has changed. You can bring up your concerns with the child’s parents peacefully, and may work out any misunderstandings, and restore the relationship that way.
Unfortunately, this type of resolution is not always possible. The child’s parents may take offense. They might make accusations and increase efforts to keep you from their child. If this happens, or if you believe the child is in danger or not being properly cared for, get help. Our Litchfield family lawyers are here for you.
Call today for a consultation with a grandparent rights lawyer serving Litchfield (860) 357-9158
Understanding Your Rights as a Grandparent
Your attorney can explain the rights of grandparents and third parties in Connecticut. Depending on your situation, we can determine the most appropriate resolution. For example, you may fight for:
- Custody, if the child’s parents cannot or just do not provide proper care. Your chances of securing custody are higher if the child lives with you already.
- Visitation rights, if you had a close relationship with the child but have been cut off. You’ll need to show that the estrangement is causing the child emotional harm.
- Guardianship rights allow you to make important decisions for your grandchild. For example, you could make decisions about their healthcare and education.
- Adoption, if the child’s parents have died, or both have lost custody.
Our team has experience helping grandparents through a variety of relationship crises. We honor the love you have for your grandchild and are committed to finding a resolution that serves your needs and theirs.
Litchfield Grandparent Rights Lawyer Near Me (860) 357-9158
Situations Requiring Grandparents to Take Action
Many situations can prompt rifts in the grandparent-grandchild relationship. Your son or daughter may divorce. The other spouse may get custody of the children and refuse to let you see them, even though you had been previously involved in their lives. The same could happen if your son or daughter dies.
You might recognize abuse or neglect of your grandchild. Your first call should be to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. If you don’t see change, you may need to pursue additional action. Rich Rochlin Family Law can help.
Sometimes, grandparents are the primary caregivers for grandchildren. The parents might be dealing with substance abuse or have simply abandoned the children. To keep the children safe and make the best decisions for them, you need to secure your rights.
The Tragedy of Grandparent Alienation
The occurrence of parental alienation is possible in divorce. When it happens, one parent turns the children against the other. Sadly, that alienation can extend to grandparents. For grandparents, however, divorce is not the only cause. The parents may still be married and together, but choose to keep their children from you.
Whatever the reason, grandparent alienation is a loss unlike any other, and neither you nor your grandchild should have to endure its devastating effects.
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How a Litchfield Grandparents Rights Lawyer Can Help You
A Litchfield grandparents rights attorney is ready to listen. Tell us about your situation. We can explain how Connecticut’s laws apply to your case and assess your chances of a successful outcome if you take your case to court. If taking legal action is the path forward, we can file your petition and motion for modification with the court, along with all other elements of your case.
We can also offer important guidance. Emotions run high in these kinds of cases. Understandably, you may want to tell others what you’re going through. We can help you avoid saying things that could damage your situation and explain how social media can negatively influence your family law case.
At every court proceeding, we will provide effective representation, working to protect your grandchild’s best interests by showing the court that those interests are served by placing the child with you or allowing them regular visits with you. If your grandchild is living in dangerous circumstances, we can take emergency legal action to get them to safety.
Factors the Court Considers
The court will want to see that you have had a close relationship with your grandchildren. We will work to demonstrate that you have a history of spending time with them and that you are an important part of their lives. We will also demonstrate that losing your relationship with us has, or will, harm your grandchildren’s emotional or mental well-being.
Your grandchild may be in a dangerously dysfunctional household. The parents may be unfit guardians. Whatever the reason for your case, we need to present convincing evidence. Among other information, our team will work to get testimony from character and expert witnesses, organize home studies, and gather video footage or photos to support you.
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We’re Here to Find Solutions
Rich Rochlin Family Law is here to solve problems. We want to make a positive difference in your relationship with your grandchildren.
Reach out to a compassionate Litchfield grandparents rights lawyer from our team, so we can start working toward a solution together. We know how important family is and will do our best to support yours.
Let us help navigate your family legal matters schedule your consultation now.
