Grandparents have an unbreakable bond with their grandchildren.  In cases of divorce, the parent(s) can refuse to allow grandparents to have a relationship with their grandchildren, especially when a grandparent had a bond with the child as a primary caretaker.  It has been shown in studies that when separation from grandparents occurs, it can be emotionally damaging to the child.  It is also psychologically abusive to both the child and grandparent when a parent suddenly cuts off the relationship that had been cemented between a grandchild and grandparent based on the parent's ill feelings toward the grandparent. This can result in the grandchild developing depression, anxiety and feelings of abandonment.

     Grandparents should have a right to continue the relationship with the grandchild that they had prior to the break up of the parents.  One parent should not be given the power to break that relationship based of his ill feelings toward the ex spouse and parents.   For example, in California, even though a judge orders that a grandparent can visit the grandchild, this order is not enforced and the decision is often left for the parent to decide if and when visitation can happen. 

       In Summary, I am hoping to change the current law so that grandparents have access to their grandchildren, without interference of the ex spouse.  This change in the law would allow grandparents the right to visit their grandchild without parental approval, just as they did prior to the divorce.  The judge will have final authority to insist on protecting the grandchild/grandparent bond.