Grandparents have a unique role to play within families. In most circumstances, grandparents can be a steady influence in a child's life. However, when family needs arise, these individuals can go from a mentor to a much more prominent role rather quickly. This was the case for one Colorado couple, who stepped up to the task of parenting when they adopted three grandchildren.
Although they don't fit "traditional" notions of the family -- both grandparents were bringing adult children into a second marriage -- the Colorado couple created a new family. One of the adult children developed a drug dependency and lost custody of her three children over the course of a couple of years. The couple adopted all three children, so they wouldn't be split up in foster homes.
Over the last year, the family has dealt with a different kind of challenge: Both grandparents were diagnosed with cancer, and one of the two is considered terminal. As such, the Colorado man will continue to raise his second wife's grandchildren, since he is considered their legal guardian.
This case shows how emotional family law issues can be. Allowing the grandparents to adopt was in the best interests of the children involved in this case. The adoption provided a loving, stable home for three kids who needed both.
At the same time, however, this story shows how quickly a family's circumstances can change and where family law can help make the best of a stressful situation. In this instance, the Colorado couple may need to take measures for the future. Knowing that family dynamics will be changing once again, the grandparents will want to make sure the interests of their grandchildren are still upheld.
Source: OurColoradoNews.com, "Grandparents adopt as cancer closes in," Rhonda Moore, May 8, 2013
Tags: Family law, adoption, custody, family law issues
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