Linda's Story

Facts

Grandparents often have a special bond with their grandchildren, and this can sometimes be overlooked in parenting disputes. 

Linda was very close to her eight-year-old twin granddaughters. Her daughter, Kathleen, had separated from the girls’ father, Pete, when the girls were young, and they shared custody. When it was Kathleen’s time with the girls, Linda would supervise them every second weekend.  

Because Kathleen experienced ongoing drug and mental health issues, the Family Court ordered that Pete should have sole custody. Concerned for his daughters, Pete had stopped them from seeing their mother altogether. This meant that Linda and her husband were unable to see their grandchildren. 

Considerations

Linda contacted SRV, wanting to re-establish contact and communication with her grandchildren. On her behalf, Seniors Rights Victoria sent a letter to Pete, explaining that Linda was keen to continue her relationship with her grandchildren and proposing visit and phone call times. 

Pete and his partner, Zoe, eventually agreed on the terms. This meant that Linda was able to remain involved with her grandchildren through fortnightly calls and some face-to-face visits. 

If you, or someone you know, is a grandparent in need of some support you may find our new Grandparenting Help Sheet useful. It includes information on where to obtain support and advice on the issues that a grandparent might face.

You can also call the SRV Helpline on 1300 368 821

Credit: Published on Compass with permission from Seniors Rights Victoria