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Grandparents have approached our office about seeking visitation with their grandchildren. We tell them it’s possible, but it’s not a sure thing. Dale Emch addressed the issue Sunday in his Toledo Blade newspaper column.

Judges base their decisions on whatever is in the best interest of the child. That said, judges also must give special weight to the wishes of the parents. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that parents have a fundamental right to determine how their children are raised. So, judges have the tough job of weighing the parents’ wishes with what they think would be best for the child.

Another reader asked about whether he had a right to cut a tree limb that hung over into his yard. My answer was that at common law, property owners have the right to cut a branch or limb at the point it crosses the property line.

That said, just because the law is on your side doesn’t mean you should do something. I advised that the common sense approach would be to contact the neighbor to see if an agreement can be reached before just chopping away.

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