Question asked on Sep 09th, 2014

Q: In this particular case, the natural mother has refused visitation to the step-grandmother, who is legally married to her natural father, because the daughter resented the marriage from the beginning. There is NO question of misconduct of child care by either party.

A: Your question involves something of a false premise — there are basically no “rights” for either natural OR step-grandparents when it comes to visitation with minor children.  Either voluntary arrangements can be made through one or the other natural parents; if there has been a death or divorce, the process is a tenuous and difficult one to secure visitation over objection.  See the statute, discussion, and resources posted at https://www.willicklawgroup.com/child-custody-and-visitation/.

If both parents refuse, it may be impossible to overcome the objection.  If you have other questions, you may wish to consider conferring with a family law specialist.

Marshal S. Willick