When A Parent Dies: Legal and Psychological Issues (W8) CD

Workshop

When a parent dies in an intact family, the usual course is that the surviving parent simply assumes full custody, and life goes on. Even then, however, issues may arise as to grandparent visitation for the deceased spouse's parents and relatives. Of course, children will always be impacted emotionally/psychologically by the death of a parent, and the child(ren)'s grief needs to be addressed in age appropriate ways. Sometimes, especially in the case of divorce or parentage cases, third parties may make claims to custody of the children. A variety of legal proceedings can ensue in which third parties, such as grandparents, may be pitted against the surviving parent in family or probate court. As with any conflict concerning custody, such proceedings may create additional stress on already grieving children. This panel will explore the various issues and proceedings that can occur when third parties assert custodial claims and will also explore the emotional/psychological impacts on the children and suggested intervention strategies. Presenters: Lynette Berg Robe, Esq.; Honorable Wendy L. Kohn; Commissioner Reva G. Goetz; Angus Strachan, Ph.D.