Grandparents Rights
Grandparents currently have rights in Canada and also in the United States. Many rulings in the states however are now being overturned as unconstitutional. Why should grandparents have rights? We choose our partners, not their parents. Many people have been abused by their parents growing up or disagree with their logic on raising a child. We are the parents! We clothe them, feed them, support them, care for them when they're sick and teach them. If we are doing our job and feel it is not in the best interest of the child to know the grandparent (or any other family member) then that should be our decision.
We should not be forced to send our children to a place where abuse takes place or where improper ideas and habits are taught. Our children should not have to be exposed to drugs and alcohol because we cannot prove in court that these things happen!
In these days of dual-income families, we the parents do not see our kids as often as we wish. Often the weekend is family time and forced grandparent visitation is an interference! Our kids have friends to play with and places to go of their own. How often did we see our own grandparents growing up? How often did you stay overnight? Grandparent visitation allows unwanted visitation more often than the time spent visiting those we love! If our parents love us then they would not do this to us or their grandchildren! |
Unfit and Violent Parents
There are many good fathers and mothers, both custodial and non-custodial, out there so this isn't about you! This is about the truly unfit parent. Those that are always late or don't show up, those that drink and do drugs, those who are physically and mentally abusive, those who will quit a job before they pay even a minimal amount of child support.
A fit parent should not have to send their child off unsupervised with someone who fits the above descriptions. Sooner or later the child will get hurt, even if physical abuse is not aimed at them! There are many good fathers and many bad mothers, we are not biased. We are however greatly concerned about the welfare of our children when they are put in dangerous situations. When a parent's behavior is in question, it should be dealt with right away. Their background should be investigated immediately to determine prior incidents. If there is already cause for concern, the background and complaints should be looked at further. Military records should be able to be unsealed if it pertains to violence! People who are found to make totally unfounded accusations should also be dealt with harshly! |
NEWS FLASHES
ARE YOU INVOLVED IN A THIRD-PARTY VISITATION LAWSUIT? PLEASE CONTACT US ASAP - TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Ontario Action Alert-Bill 27!
Ontario MPP John Hastings www.johnhastings.com for the riding of Etobicoke/Rexdale plans to reintroduce changes to the third-party visitation laws during the Fall 2000 session which will give grandparents more specific legal rights. These additions to the current laws will allow even more frivilous lawsuits to take place. Please email your local representative with your opinions.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASES IN THE NEWS
Recently in Ontario, there has been a rash of murder-suicides. We cannot continue to allow tragedies like the Lufts of Kitchener to happen! Now is the time to take steps to stop violence in the family and to force courts to realize the potential dangers many children are placed in during access visits with known violent people.
What can you do to help? Contact us ASAP
Portland Couple Sue for Rights to Visit ex-housekeeper's Child in
Portland Oregonian!
In a case that challenges the traditional notions of child custody, a
Portland couple is suing their former housekeeper for visitation rights to the housekeeper's 7-year-old daughter. Dr. David and Joan Weil of Portland claim that in the three years Anna Yakovenko Friedman lived in their Portland home, they formed a close relationship with her daughter. The Weils and their supporters said it would be in the best interest of the girl to maintain that contact.
Can you believe this? It is happening! There have even been cases reported of sperm donors suing for access as well as ex-boyfriends and girlfriends including lesbian lovers.
On June 5, 2000, the United States Supreme Court released it's decision in the Troxel v. Granville grandparent visitation case.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor wrote the decision which included the following statement concerning fit parents:
"So long as a parent adequately cares for his or her children...there will normally be no reason for the state to inject itself into the private realm of the family to further question the ability of the parent to make the best decisions concerning the rearing of that parents' children."
What does this mean for Canada? That is up to us now.
Click here to view the Coalition Release regarding this landmark decision!
June 5, 2000 - CTV Newsnet spot re: Troxel v. Granville decision.
February 17, 2000, Michael Coren Live on CTS - Grandparent Visitation discussion.
Maclean's magazine, story week of February 17, 2000
On January 12, 2000, the United States Supreme Court heard the Troxel v. Granville, Grandparent visitation case. Members from the US and Canada traveled to Washington DC to support the parents.
It looks great for our side!
To learn more on the case, visit the site below.
Troxel v. Granville
In September, the Coalition prepared a release to show our support for the parents. Click on the following to read the release.
September Press Release
We hope others will join this cause in Canada. Please visit the links below.
Bravenet.com
LINKS
ICQ US
Coalition for the Restoration of Parental Rights Webring
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