Grandparents who Care for Grandchildren

Abstract

Both in New Zealand and abroad, a social trend is emerging of grandparents taking on the responsibility of parenting their grandchildren. This chapter examines the different ways in which grandparents can come to be legally involved in their grandchildren’s lives and their position under New Zealand’s legislative and common law regimes. By way of contrast, the somewhat different position of grandparents in the United States is analysed with reference to the United States Supreme Court decision of Troxel v Granville. The chapter also discusses the fundamental importance of children’s voices and concludes with an examination of the practical support available to grandparents who find themselves raising their grandchildren.