Link Schwartz, Beverly Hills Family Law attorney of record who participated in the Cal. landmark case: Lopez v Martinez, generously shares details and her perspective.
The case is often referenced in trials and the Legislative Digest included it in AB2517 (2006), which became law in 2207 under statute 3104.
Link is a true advocate, who genuinely cares about what happens to children when a grandparent is ripped away suddenly and without purpose.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMO9IvUbMQk
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I am a grndmother of 8. Kayley was my first grandaughter. She has been part of my life since she was born. She just turned 10 in June. I have been extremly close to my daughter, Shannon. (Kayleys mother.) I have been there with her through everyting, birth, divorce, etc.. They have both always been a big part of my life. I picked Kayley up form school, helped her do her homework, she would stay week ends with me alot. Most people thought I was her mother we were together so much. Then my daughter moved a person in with her that no one knew. Not even Kayley. Shannon began to change. Kayley started telling me disturbing things that were going on in the home. She was afraid of her mother. I confronted my daughter about these things, and she became more and more devensive. With time, I realized that this man she moved in had total control of Shannon. I suspect drugs, but can’t prove it. As time passed my daughter became more and more disrespectful to me. She defended her boyfriend instead of her child. Eventually we got into an ugly argument. It resulted in her not allowing me to see Kayley. I am heart broken! Since this man has moved in with her, Shannon has lost her family values. I honestly think that because Kayley was telling me what was going on in the home that he doesn’t want me to see her, but Shannon is using the argument as an excuse to keep my grandaughter away from me. I have tried everyting to resolve this, but I know as long as she is with this man he will not agree to it, and she does what he wants. I don’t know what to do.
Loving gradmother in North Carolina
Thank you for sharing your situation, as troubling as it is.
It is extremely important for you and Kayley to maintain your relationship and nurture the bond that has developed.
In order to re-connect with her you will need to mend some fences with her mom unless you want to explore legal avenues.
You can visit the official state of N. Carolina website and view the statutes for GP visitation. Most states provide standing in court when the family is broken.
I understand the stress and expense of going to court which is why it is always bet to opt for the least adversarial approach.