Do we have rights as grandparents to see our grandchild?

Question

Our son is not allowed to see his infant son without supervision because of abuse. But are we as grandparents allowed to see our grand child when we want to (within reason). The baby is 6 months old and we would like to be able to take him for a couple of hours once in a while and spend some time with him. Since the mother is not speaking to our son she doesn't want to see us also. We have done no harm to our precious grand son and never will. Do we have any legal right to see our grand child and can the mother and her family require us to meet with the baby in a public place or not be allowed to take him for a short time once in a while? We do not condone our sons actions and agree with the court on their actions, but should we as parents be paying the price for our sons actions also? We just want to be normal grand parents and enjoy our grand child, spoil him, show him off, etc.

Answer 1

the best thing to do is contact a lawyer specializing in family law in the state the child resides in.  many states do allow for grandparents rights.  

Answer 2

You can try to petition the courts. OR you can write letters, stop by your grandson's mother's house and ask if it would be okay. tell her what you wrote in here. I hope you can be close with your grandson =)

Answer 3

Talk to lawyers!!! I think you have rights to see the baby, but it depends on the jurisdiction in the area.  Try to talk to the mother and explain to her what you said here; you don't condone his actions, you love your grandchild and want to be a part of his life, will never put him in danger, etc. etc. Tell her that you would even have visits with her there, and even if it is for 15 minutes! If you love him it won't matter how long, where, or with who as long as you get to see him and this will build her trust in you and you can progress there. Even though it was your son that did the wrong things,  she sees him in you, you are his parents and you have raised him (even this may not have anything to do with it in her eyes it might or just that closeness you have had/have with your son is enough to scare her-she wants nothing to do with him),  and I'm sure she is just nervous and being a very protective mother of her new baby. Maybe after she realizes she can trust you things will change. Good luck!