Grandparent not allowed to see Grandchild

[orais007]

Paternal Grandparent use to be able to see her grandchild for first 4 yrs when child was with the mother, then mother signed off custody to her parents because she was going to jail.  Now maternal grandparents won't allow paternal grandparent to visit child.  Father wants nothing to do with child.
Does Paternal Grandparent have any rights, what if anything can she do to at least see child once in a while.  

[janM]

As a grandparent, I sympathize.

However, I don't think there is much you can do. Some states will allow a GP to file for visitation, but with no guarantee of success. You would have to show an established bond with the child, and prove that it would not be in the child's best interest to not have contact with you.

If the father exercised his parenting time, you could see the child if he allowed you to. You have no inherent rights to the child.

You could consult with an attorney, but I doubt you would be successful in court. You will have to try to convince the other GP to let you see the child, since she is the legal custodian. How long is mom going to be in jail? Maybe when she gets out she will let you spend time with the child again.

It's sad, but I don't see any other options.

[mistoffolees]

I believe this is very much state-specific. I think I read that at least one state had a law which guaranteed grandparents some rights. Do a Google search for your state and "grandparents' rights" or ask an attorney.

If you're not lucky enough to live in a state like that, ask the father to get involved. Even if he wants nothing to do with the child, he could pick him up and let you visit.