State by State laws. In the case of a diseased/ divorced or missing parent the grandparents of that child can easily be denied to have any contact with the children at the sole discretion of the sole parent. Courts will deny any petition by Grandparents to have Any contact with these children forever if that Mom/Dad (out of bitterness often) decide. Its the Children that are collateral damage. How do we explain to them where is the other half of my family and why (sometimes in a days time) don't they want to see me. So tragic. No one is brave enough to say we will change these guidelines to determine if it is in the best interest of the Child!  As the Laws stand now In Ct  a Grandparent must Prove that the child had a parental relationship with the Grandparent, ie lived with then on and off for a substantial amount of time, took the school bus from that address, had a room there, basically think of them as second parents. When did being a Grandparent filled with love and joy like no other, become less important in the fabric of raising healthy children. To be denied is cruel and so disturbing. I believe at this time only a handful of States will allow the Courts to override the parents denial. I have watched two families left heartbroken as they lost their Son's one to Suicide the Other to an addiction. In both cases the moms who were ex's) of the children literally the week these children lost their Dads who saw them every week including going to Grams to spend the week end with cousins, Aunties, bake cookies, eat Sunday Pasta.. The Mothers have refused any contact with the children basically forever. Block entire families. No calls no cards no holiday or birthday contact. Zero even if it is with the Mom being a part of the family visits Why??? Because they used these horrific losses of troubled young men and with anger and vengeful hearts think they can get their revenge. If you are a Grandparent can you imagine in one days time that child has been erased from his/her extended family.  The State must give the Courts the power to mediate for the rights of the children. Please consider joining this plea for change.