WARWICK, RI — As the two-year anniversary of his wife’s tragic passing approaches, Scott Naso, a widowed father from Portsmouth, is sounding an alarm that he says every parent in the “Ocean State” needs to hear.
In a case that has sent shockwaves through Rhode Island’s legal community, Naso is challenging the constitutionality of the state’s grandparent visitation laws. He claims the current system allows for “unjustified government interference” in the fundamental rights of parents.
“I Am Living Proof”
In a viral social media post shared just days before his trial is set to resume, the 40-year-old father of 4-year-old Laila didn’t mince words.
“If you’re a parent in the state of Rhode Island and assume that you have a fundamental right to raise your child without the government unjustifiably interfering with that, you’re wrong,” Naso stated. “I’m living proof.”
Naso revealed the staggering toll of the two-year battle, claiming he has been forced to spend more than $500,000 in legal fees to prevent his late wife’s parents from having contact with his daughter. He is now urging the public to attend the trial at Kent County Family Court in Warwick when it resumes on Monday, April 20, to demand accountability.
A Tragic Backstory and Explosive Allegations
The legal saga began following the death of Naso’s wife, Shahrzad “Sherry” Naso, in April 2024. The couple had built a life in Portsmouth, welcoming Laila via surrogate in 2021 after Sherry’s initial battle with breast cancer appeared to be in remission. Tragically, the cancer returned, leaving Scott as a single father before Laila’s third birthday.
The ensuing visitation trial, which began in October 2025, has been marked by explosive allegations. Naso claims that his late wife’s parents—both of whom are doctors—are responsible for gross medical misconduct and negligence. He alleges that their actions played a role in Sherry’s death and caused his daughter to become ill. Because of these safety concerns, Naso believes he should have the absolute right to decide who has access to his child.
The Constitutional Challenge
Earlier this week, Naso’s legal team filed motions challenging the very foundation of Rhode Island’s grandparent visitation statutes. The core of the argument rests on the 14th Amendment, which historically protects the rights of parents to oversee the upbringing of their children without state intervention, unless the parent is found to be unfit.
Naso argues that the current Rhode Island law oversteps this boundary, forcing fit parents into expensive, multi-year litigation to defend their household decisions.
“This case doesn’t just have statewide implications. It has implications for parents all across this country,” Naso said.
Community Call to Action
As the trial moves back into the spotlight this Monday, Naso is asking for the community to witness the proceedings.
“I’m asking the public [to] please show up. Be present,” he urged. “Let the system know that people are watching, because accountability matters.”
The outcome of this case could set a massive precedent for parental rights in Rhode Island, potentially leading to a legislative overhaul of how grandparent visitation is handled in the state.
What do you think, Rhode Island? Should grandparents have a legal right to see their grandchildren even if a fit parent objects? Or is the government overstepping by interfering in a father’s decision?
Sound off in the comments below and share this story to help spread the word.
