What Should I Do If My Child Won’t Let Me See My Grandchildren?

What Should I Do If My Child Won’t Let Me See My Grandchildren?

If your adult child is preventing you from seeing your grandchildren, the emotional pain can be overwhelming. You may feel helpless in this situation, unsure of your rights or what steps you can take. If you are facing this heartbreaking challenge, Andrea Heckman Law understands your struggle and is here to help you face this family law matter. We have guided numerous families through these and other difficult circumstances as a trusted family law firm in Rolling Meadows, and we can assist you through them as well.

If your child is refusing access to your grandchildren, you may be able to:

• Seek court-ordered visitation under specific circumstances outlined by Illinois law
• Prove that visitation serves the child’s best interests through documented evidence
• Work with an experienced family law attorney to build a strong case

Understanding your rights as a grandparent and taking proactive steps can help you maintain continued, meaningful relationships with your grandchildren, even in challenging situations.

Can Grandparents Seek Visitation Rights in Illinois?

Illinois law includes provisions for grandparents to request court-ordered visitation, but it places strict limitations on when such requests can be made. The law strongly protects parental rights and assumes that fit parents will make decisions in their child’s best interests.

You may petition for grandparent visitation if:

• Denying visitation would cause the child harm physically, mentally, or emotionally,

and at least one of the following is met:

• One of the child’s parents has died or been missing for at least 90 days
• One parent is legally incompetent
• One parent has been incarcerated for at least 90 days
• The child’s parents are divorced, legally separated, or have pending dissolution proceedings, and at least one parent does not object to visitation
• The child was born to unmarried parents, and you are related through the legally recognized parent

Important limitation: If both parents are fit and agree that you should not have visitation, courts will typically support their decision unless you can prove the child would suffer serious harm without your presence.

What Can I Do as a Grandparent If My Child Is Denying Access?

If your situation meets the criteria above, you may be able to seek visitation through the collection and presentation of compelling evidence.

Document Your Relationship

Courts will require proof that your visitation serves the child’s best interests. Keep records of events and moments that prove your case, such as:

• Previous time spent with your grandchildren
• Activities you have shared together
• Any communications showing your important role in their lives
• Documentation of your positive influence on the child’s development

Consider Your Child’s Perspective

Be prepared to address any concerns your adult child may have raised about your visits. Courts will consider:

• Your relationship history with the grandchild
• The reasons you are seeking visitation
• Your adult child’s objections and their validity
• The child’s overall well-being and preferences (if age-appropriate)

Work with Professional Legal Support

Grandparent visitation cases are often emotionally charged and legally complex. An experienced family law attorney can:

• Evaluate whether your situation meets Illinois legal requirements
• Help gather compelling evidence for your case
• Guide you through court procedures and deadlines
• Advocate for your rights while protecting family relationships where possible

Helping You Protect Your Grandparent Rights

Being denied access to your grandchildren does not inherently mean you are powerless. While Illinois law does prioritize parental rights, legitimate grandparent visitation rights do exist under specific circumstances. The legal process can be lengthy and emotionally challenging, but with proper preparation and experienced legal guidance, court-ordered visitation can become possible in certain situations.

At Andrea Heckman Law, we understand the pain of family separations and are committed to helping you explore every available legal option. Our compassionate approach combines thorough legal knowledge with sensitivity to your family’s dynamics to help you pursue a better future.

If you are considering seeking grandparent visitation rights, contact Andrea Heckman Law today to discuss your situation and learn about your legal options. We are here to support you during this challenging time and help you maintain your precious family bonds.