My mom (F55) is threatening to sue me (F27) for grandparents visitation rights

General Forum
1

How it started:

My mom has been emotionally abusive and manipulative my whole life, and it’s gotten worse in my early adulthood. I have two kids (M6, F3) with my ex, and we split parenting time: he has them 3 nights a week, and I have them 4.

When my ex and I were together, I spent a lot of time at my parents’ house due to the stress in my relationship. Since we split 1.5 years ago, I have been spending less time there and more with friends and my current SO.

I still bring my kids to my parents’ 2-3 times a week, which I think is reasonable given my limited parenting time. This weekend, I went out of town with my kids and SO and didn’t visit my parents as usual. My mom immediately texted asking why the kids were not there. When I told her they wouldn’t be coming over, she lashed out with hurtful comments and even threatened to sue me for grandparent visitation rights.

How should I handle this? Should I just let her try to sue me, or is there something else I should do? She’s impossible to reason with, so talking things out seems pointless.

2

I’ve been in a tough spot with family dynamics myself, and it sounds like you’re dealing with a lot. If talking to your mom seems futile, it might be worth setting clear boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. In my experience, it can be helpful to document any abusive behavior and keep records of your interactions, which might be useful if she does pursue legal action. Consulting with a family lawyer could also provide you with insights on how to handle the situation legally and ensure that you’re prepared for any potential claims. Focusing on your own mental health and the well-being of your children should be a priority, and seeking support from friends or a counselor might help you navigate this challenging situation.