Answers
By Billy Graham • October 8, 2016 • Topics: Divorce
Q:
We're heartsick because our son's wife has just divorced him, and we're afraid we'll never get to see our grandchildren again (she says she's remarrying and moving to another state). Is there anything we can do? Do we have any legal rights?
A:
My understanding is that laws concerning grandparents’ rights in such situations may differ from state to state, and you will want to seek reliable legal advice concerning this. The Bible’s words apply here just as much as in any other situation: “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22).
But no matter what you discover concerning your legal rights, I hope you’ll do everything you can to keep in contact with your grandchildren. Even if you only see them rarely, write or email them from time to time, letting them know you love them and are interested in what is happening in their lives. Don’t forget special days either—birthdays, holidays, etc. Your son may be able to suggest how often you can call.
At the same time, don’t intrude in their lives or become overbearing; you don’t want to do anything that might make their mother intervene and cut them off. In addition, avoid taking sides or saying anything negative about their parents. The Bible says, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2).
The most important thing you can do, however, is to pray for your grandchildren. They are going through a difficult and confusing time, and they need your prayers. Pray not only for God’s protection over them, but that they will come to know Christ and learn to follow Him. God loves them, and He has not abandoned them. May this be your comfort—and theirs as well.
