Grandson visitation

[amacoycurry]

What is the name of your state? Wisconsin
My friends daughter committed suicide last July leaving behind a 9 year old son. She was divorced from the childs father and remarried and had custody of the boy when she died. My friend had a relationship with the child since he was born. Now since the father has custody he is not allowing anyone from the mothers family to see him. My friend found out that he has had many problems and had even been committed to a Mendota Hospital in Madison, which is a psychiatric instituion which is a long way from his place of residence. She has talked to social services and is very concerned but still has not been allowed to see him. She does not have enough money to hire an attorney. Just last week a friend of the family who had the boy visit them quite often called the paternal grandmother to see about taking him to car races that weekend. The grandmother told her no, because he now is a ward of the state so anyone who wants to see him has to go through the state. We are all confused as to what this means. Any advice on what my friend can do to see her grandson would be appreciated.

 

[kidoday]

Grandparent Issues: Wisconsin

Grandparent Rights to Visitation: Visitation may be granted if the grandparent has maintained a relationship with the child similar to the parent-child relationship; the court is to consider the best interest of the child and the wishes of the child. Visitation may also be granted to grandparents if one of the child's parents is deceased and the court finds that the visitation is in the child's best interest. W.S.A. §§880.155 and 767.245.

When Adoption Occurs: Adoption has no effect on the grandparent's rights if the adoption is by the stepparent.

Child Custody Statutes: Referred to as "legal custody and physical placement." Best interest of the child considering: (1) wishes of parties; (2) wishes of child; (3) interaction and interrelationship between child and the parties, siblings, and any other significant person; (4) child's adjustment to home, school and community; (5) mental and physical health of all parties involved; (6) availability of public or private child care services; (7) whether one party is likely to unreasonably interfere with the child's continuing relationship with the other party; (8) any evidence of child abuse; (9) any evidence of interspousal battery or domestic abuse; (10) whether either party has had a significant problem with alcohol or drug abuse; and (11) any other relevant factor. W.S.A. §767.24.

Parents May Choose: Yes