If a child had formed a bond with the neighbor and the child's family moved away, the neighbor can sue for visitation with the child. It is that simple. Divorce has also been a result of such lawsuits. Grandparents have usually had more time to reach stability. The children are raised and the mortgage is paid off.
Grandparents usually have time to relax in their retirement years.
The demands on a parent are difficult enough without adding the financial burden of the lawsuit for the defense of the child. This financial and emotional burden can lead to extreme marital distress . Parents can be sued by grandparents, boyfriends, lovers, teachers, neighbors, aunts, uncles and cousins. The effects of these lawsuits illustrate the damage that can be done if these laws and litigations are allowed to continue. Several things can be a motivator for these grandparents.