Double bereavement - severed family ties

General chat
1

My sister died a year ago leaving a six year old son. The relationship she had with her partner was difficult and this extended to the relationship he had, and subsequently is having, with the rest of our family. He has been massively limiting my parents access to their grandson and now had decided they are not going to have any access at all - as well as effectively cutting off the rest of the family from seeing him. Until her death, my sister was extremely close to all her family members (we are a very big and close family), and her son, from the day he was born, has constantly been around his uncles, aunts, cousins and grand parents. This contact has now almost completely stopped. I have read about the term ‘double bereavement’ where, in this case, my nephew as well as loosing his mum has now also lost his grandparents and extended family. I just need know if there are any groups I can talk to, and research etc which may outline what effect this may be having on my nephew. Any thoughts gratefully received, many thanks.

2

Hi Chris,

I’m so sorry to hear about the death of your sister and that your family are no longer in contact with your nephew - what a sad situation.

I’m not a legal expert but, as far as I’m aware, there isn’t any automatic legal right for grandparents and extended family to have contact with a child.

Somewhere like Citizens Advice would be a good starting point for advice on your rights. Perhaps family mediation might also be an option?

I’ve found these articles which may provide more useful information:

I’m afraid I’m not aware of any resources that would give information on how this specific situation might affect your nephew, but here are two organisations that offer general advice on supporting bereaved children - perhaps one of these could point you in the right direction?

3

Hello Priscilla,

Many, many thanks for this and for all the information. I really appreciate your thoughts.

All the very best and thank you once again,

Chris

5

Hello Sheila,

Many thanks for your reply and thoughts. Yes I do hope that as time passes he comes to realise that we are not the enemy but part of the family and only want what’s best for everyone.

Thank you again and all the very best,

Chris