Is there any legal way to stop my mother from contacting my children and sending them cards and gifts

Question

My mother and I have not gotten along for several years and now she is taking me to court. I have told her in the past that I do not want any cards or gifts sent to my children. You see, my children do not know her and I want to keep it that way so they do not end up getting hurt by her as well. I also do not want her in the event that my wife and I were to pass to be able to come take the children. What can I do legally to protect my children from her.

Answer 1

Id like to say you would, and I think that would be the case if both of you are fit parents, but in saying this I also had an experience. It's with a mate of mine. She has 2 kids. Anyways, her mother stole one of her children one day and did a runner. My mate called the police and they turned around and told my mate that mum probably did it in the best interest of the child. And that was that. I agree my mate wasn't the most maturest of mothers, but her mum was even worse...

Though again, a similar situation happened to me. my partners mum wasn't allowed to see our kids and she did something very hurtful too me. She then contacted my partner and told him that she would take me to court just so she could see the kids. I rang the police, just to find out my rights, and they said, by law if she took me to court, and the jury found me to be a fit enough mother, that the decision would be left to me whether or not I allow her to see my kids.

So is a tough one!!

Answer 2

A court will most likely side with you. Here they outlawed the Grandparents rights because it interfeared with parental rights.

Return packages, letters, cards, etc.

IF she continues to try, place a restraining order against her.

Do like the first poster stated and write a will.

Answer 3

Simiply keep your info private. YOu can't legally keep her away with out a restraining order and you need to fear for your life to get one or being harrased by them.  You can right a will and stipulate who gets your kids in the event of both your deaths  

Answer 4

You can get a restraining order against her but usually that means there has to have been some violence or threat of violence.

You don't say how old your kids are-- Dont you get the mail or dont they live with you? Are they adult children or little?

Answer 5

Write a will designating who the children will go to first of all. Secondly you can block her phone number from your phones. You can let the school know she is not allowed to call or contact the children there. If its true harassment and not just normal contact you can get a restraining order. Other than that you need to simply make things clear to your mother and monitor your mail.

Answer 6

FIRST OFF Are you in a grandparents right state? If you are not, just have an attorney write up a "go away or I will take you to court"  letter. Have it sent CERTIFIED MAIL from your attorney's office.

Answer 7

I don't know your entire story but if your mom wants to try to make things better between you by being a better grand mother then why not let her.I understand that you don't have a good relationship with her but she is sending gifts and cards what kind of damage do you think that will do? not much if they don't see her. she is their grandmother after all. and the only way they can put a restraining oder if there is a threat on their lives or any type of danger. I suggest letting her send the gifts and cards they don't have to see her.

Answer 8

Do NOT put in your will who is supposed to get custody of your kids in the event you and your wife die.  A will is very often not even read for days or even a few weeks after a death and by then, someone will already have had to make arrangements for the children.

You can very easily create a document stating who is to have custody of your children.  You can find templates online, or you can see an attorney.  Both you and your wife sign the document in the presence of a notary public.  Each of you needs a copy with original signatures.  The person who is going to accept custody needs 1 or more copies with original signatures.  You can also give copies to siblings just so there is no question later that this was really your intent.

As for your mother taking you to court - get a lawyer and stop stressing.  Many states have ruled in similar cases that grandparents don't have rights when it comes to grandchildren.  If you can prove that your mother has a pattern of being abusive, judges aren't so willing to let them have access to children who could be the next victims of her abusive personality.