Hi my name is Suzana Balchan I come to you in hope and sincere grief, seeking help to establish grandparent visitation rights for parents of a deceased child in Florida. On September 6, 2023, my beloved son Michael Gawlik Jr left this world, his life was taken by another individual, leaving behind a young son whom at the time was just 3 weeks old and who now doesn't have any connection with the paternal family(my son entire side of the family). The child's mother, our son's partner, refuses us the right to see our grandchild. It has been over 10 months since we last beheld his face.We got to see him on September 6 when she thought my cousin was going to reward her with money.There were times my son friends would sneak him over for a few mins to see my other kids and I but she no longer allows them as well or other family members of my son to see him. In order for some of my son friends to see him they would have to pay her. They also have to give her or the baby gifts for example jewelry. Im also very concerned for his well-being.Extremely concern.This is already extremely hard not being able to ever see my son, now it's so heartbreaking to have to also grieve my grandson who is still here in this world. It hurts me every day to think my son is watching down and can't say or do anything to help his entire side of his family. As a mother I tears me apart to hear my other kids as young as 9 and 5 years old  say they wish their brother was still alive so they'll be able to just give him a call. Now I'm just helpless in all this. They grieve not just for their brother but also for their Nephew.My family and I have tried numerous times to reach out to the child's mother to see my grandson but she refuses or plays a lot of mind games. We are emotionally and physically drained. My son's Paternal grandmother passed away two months after my son, she only got to see the baby twice before leaving us. We love and miss my grandson so dearly and really want to be in his life. We can provide everything for him when he is able to visit. We Don't want anything but my son's child, we just want to love him, help with him, to protect him and do what my son would want and that is for his son to be in our lives. We’re not asking for custody, we’re just asking for visitation rights. We want to make sure he knows who his dad is.To let my grandson know where he comes from. To let him know we are here for him.To give him so much love that he will never be able to get from his dad. To let him know he has a large family on his dad's side who is willing to do any and everything for him. The mother of my grandson also stated over a 3-way phone call that included her, another individual and I and she said “Michael is d**d he don’t matter no more”..My son Michael does matter, if he were here he would want his mom, sibling and the rest of his family to be a part of his son's life. My son Michael and many others who have transitioned no longer have a voice but we do. 

Florida, like many other states, largely vests custodial rights in the child's biological parents or legal guardians. These rights often overlook the invaluable role grandparents can play in a child's upbringing, especially when one parent is no longer alive. However, Florida does have a statute, Florida Statutes Section 752.011, that allows grandparents to petition for visitation. But the conditions are restrictive, making it challenging to establish.

Taking into account the data from the American Psychological Association, 40% of the children in the United States have already been experiencing grandparent involvement. It contributes significantly to their well-being. We need to advocate for changes to the current restrictive laws and fight for grandparent visitation rights. But, we can't do it alone.

Your signature can make a difference. It can help grandparents like us be more involved in our grandchildren's lives, which can greatly contribute to their overall happiness and well-being. We beseech you to stand with us; let's amplify our voices together. Sign the petition today!