A divorce usually doesn’t just affect two people. It often affects many more. Children and even grandparents often must learn to cope with a divorce.
As we’ve discussed in a previous blog post, the relationship between grandchildren and their grandparents can be very special. Children may need their grandparents even more as they are trying to adjust to their new normal after a divorce.
Although grandparents may need to make some adjustments as well, they should try to maintain a sense of normalcy when children visit their home.
“Time with grandparents can be a relief for grandchildren who may be caught in the middle of two parents,” one psychotherapist said. “Your home should be a neutral zone.”
Grandparents should try to avoid bringing up a divorce but should be open to talking to their grandchildren about it. Children may end up sharing things with their grandparents that they don’t feel comfortable sharing with their own parents. Grandparents should evaluate whether or not that information should be shared with the children’s parents.
Although grandparents can be especially comforting to children during and after a divorce, they may need to take legal action to establish visitation. As with all custody and visitation matters, courts will consider the best interests of the child when determining whether or not visitation should be granted to grandparents.
Family law matters can be difficult to deal with. Whether people are trying to establish grandparents’ rights or settle matters related to child custody or alimony, New Mexico residents would likely find meeting with an experienced attorney beneficial.
Source: Huffington Post, “Helping Grandkids Survive Divorce,” March 29, 2013