penelope10
Senior Member
Thanks LD---was unaware in regards to FL law regarding GP's rights...I knew you'd know the right answer regarding this. I agree that hopefully Dad will maintain the ties between the child and GM after the legal mess is resolved.This is FL and grandparent visitation rights are dead in FL. That may be why grandma is in such a panic and is trying or threatening to try for custody. She may already be aware that she cannot get court ordered visitation.
While dad is apparently not a stranger to the child, the child's "continuity" to the life she has known is her grandmother...and grandma may not have agreed with her daughter's decision to not tell him about the child in the beginning. Its an incredible shame that grandma didn't react more logically and work to foster a smooth transition and an amicable relationship with the child's father.
Dad WILL get his child. It may take a little time but it will happen. Dad needs to be certain to act in the best interest of the child once he has the child in his custody. Give grandma a little time to recover from her child's death, and hopefully grandma will see the light.
I would encourage this father to maintain the ties between the child and the grandmother if grandma behaves herself after this legal mess is resolved.
Like I said grief can make people do strange things. Losing a child and the fear of losing a grandchild must be a double whammy for this woman.