Grandparent Visitation with Child of Dead Son

[DaisyD]

My question involves grandparents rights in the State of: Connecticut

My brother died 7 years ago leaving a wife and 2 year old son. Prior to his death, he and his family were an integral part of our extended family. The extended family being our parents, our sisters and husbands and our own children. We spent time with my nephew and his mother regularly after my brother's death as well.

My brother's wife remarried 5 1/2 years ago and her new husband legally adopted my nephew. My parents have been consistent over the last 5 1/2 years trying to visit and communicate with their grandson with little success. Their attempts are thwarted by the mother for reasons only known to her. Her response is that he has new grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins, etc.

We miss him terribly, his cousins especially. I know CT has little or no rights for grandparents. I also know that any court will rule, as they should, for whatever is in the best interest of the child. And, of course, the best interest of the child is that there not be any court proceeding!

Is there any provision for this situation when a father has died and the child has previously been a part of the family where the grandparents (I suspect the rest of us don't have a legal foot to stand on) have legal justification for visitation?

I am confident once my nephew is 18 or so, he will come searching us out (thankfully). But, my parents don't have the luxury of time. Thank you.

[Mr. Knowitall]

Given the case law, the failure of the Connecticut legislature to step in to amend the statutes governing third party visitation, and the facts you describe, this seems like it would be a very difficult battle. It would make sense for your parents to be consulting a very good family lawyer.