Your adult child and their partner have decided to pursue a divorce. The differences in their marriage are simply irreconcilable.
They have children together, your grandchildren, and this is what concerns you most about the separation. How will the divorce impact you? What rights do you have as a grandparent? Is there anything you can do to help make the process run more smoothly?
Try to be impartial
As a parent, you have a natural instinct to protect your child. It’s important to remember that there are two sides to every story. Your instinct may be to blame your child’s former partner, but they might not be at fault. Sometimes, relationships just fizzle out, and there is really no one to point the finger at. Staying neutral will not only help to reduce conflict during the divorce, but it will stand you in better stead when visiting your grandchild.
Focus on your grandchildren
While divorce is tough on adults, it can be even harder on young children. Your grandchildren should remain the top priority. As a grandparent, you may be able to shield them from some of the divorce conflicts. Generally, the best interests of the child are something that all parties are agreed on. Why not take them away for a while, with the parents’ permission, while the most contentious aspects of the divorce are settled?
As a grandparent, you have the opportunity to be the voice of reason during divorce proceedings. If you have concerns about your rights as a grandparent, it may benefit you to seek some legal guidance.