I think if a kid is old enough to say they want to see their grandparents then they should be able to. Unless they are known kiddy fiddlers.
Governments overrule wishes of parents anyway when they award custody. Why should a parents prejudice affect the rights of other family members?
Perhaps they do in the UK, but if the parents come to an agreement in America, a judge is unlikely to change it. In general, judges don't interfere unless there's a dispute between the parents.
Why do grandparents deserve any rights to see a child? It's not their child, and there are family members closer to the child (the parents) who are qualified to make decisions for him/her. And if grandparents have rights, why not award visitation to all family members? Could an aunt or a first cousin sue for visitation?
It's not their child, and there are family members closer to the child (the parents) who are qualified to make decisions for him/her.
How do you know that? There are plenty of kids who have deceased parent/s.
Could an aunt or a first cousin sue for visitation?
I wouldn't extend it that far. The child can see whoever they want once they are adults. This may not be the case for grandparents who are, by default, generally older and less likely to be around when the child grows up.
I am not saying kids should be forced to see them. Kids might want to see them, might have already built a relationship with them, might miss them. Sometimes people slit up badly, and that sometimes means parents make such decisions to spite the other parent.
Kids should never be made to kiss grandparents. I remember as a child my mom always used to say "we are going now, give Grandma a kiss" and i used to hate it. yuk.
