| It is unfortunate to lose your child - whether it is | | | | they lost: their grandchild (ren). |
| suddenly due to accident, or even after a | | | | Both parents have died. Not only have you lost |
| long-term illness. | | | | your son or daughter, but you have also lost a |
| The hope is that your child has made the properly | | | | son- or daughter-in-law. Here you have double |
| arrangements for care of his/her children so that | | | | grief compounded with anguish over what will |
| you - as the grandparent - can continue. | | | | happen with your grandchild (ren). If there is |
| Unfortunately, that is too often not the case. | | | | another set of grandparents involved, make a |
| What are the possible scenarios and solutions? | | | | connection with them to not only offer support to |
| Your child has died, but the other parent has not. | | | | one another, but also discuss your grandchild (ren). |
| Depending on the type of relationship you have, | | | | If there are aunts/uncles that seem like parent |
| keep your involvement with your grandchildren as | | | | possibilities for your grandchild (ren), be open to |
| it was before. However, do realize it may change. | | | | those discussions. The most important factor to |
| Your daughter- or son-in-law in now alone and is | | | | take into account during this time is the well-being |
| grieving. During this time of your own grief, being | | | | of your grandchild (ren). Therefore, don't rush into |
| with your grandchild(ren) more often may be a | | | | decisions and that whatever decisions are made, |
| comfort to you, and help to the partner left | | | | are legal. |
| behind. | | | | If you find there is a battle ensuing over custody |
| If the other parent and your child had an | | | | - by either the other grandparents or family |
| estranged relationship, the death of your child | | | | members (e.g., brothers/ sisters who are the |
| may actual help the situation in that the | | | | uncles/aunts of the child (ren)) - hire an attorney |
| tug-of-war may be gone (sad as that may | | | | as soon as you feel that your rights may be |
| sound). Try to follow the remaining parents lead | | | | overlooked. Even if both parents awarded |
| on this. | | | | custody to someone other than you, you do still |
| The other parent dies, and your child remains. | | | | have the right for visitation. While it may be |
| This is identical to the situation described above - | | | | unfortunate that a court has to make this |
| only the roles are reversed. No matter what your | | | | decision, you must think of what's best for your |
| feelings about the parent who has died (your | | | | grandchild (ren) - and for you. |
| daughter- or son-in-law) or his/her family, other | | | | It is a tough line to walk if any of these situations |
| people still need to be included in your grandchild | | | | has transpired. Realizing that it might seem |
| (ren)'s life. Unless you have serious, sustainable | | | | monumental now, time does heal all wounds, and |
| doubts about someone's ability or intentions with | | | | the law in our side. Do what must be done for |
| your grandchild (ren), help them during this time of | | | | the sake of your grandchild (ren). Grandparent |
| grief and allow them to hold on what they do | | | | custody rights should never be overlooked. |
| have remaining in the life of the son or daughter | | | | |