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Family estrangement may be far more common than many people realize. In 2020, research led by Cornell University sociologist Karl Pillemer estimated that 27% of Americans were estranged from at least one family member. More recent data suggests the reach of estrangement may be even broader.

A 2025 YouGov survey of 4,395 U.S. adults found that 38% were currently estranged from at least one close family member, including 24% who were estranged from a sibling, 16% from a parent, 10% from a child, 9% from a grandparent, and 6% from a grandchild. While the 2020 and 2025 studies used different methodologies and cannot be directly compared to conclude that estrangement has increased by 11 percentage points, together they demonstrate just how widespread family estrangement has become in American families.

The research also reveals something particularly important for grandparents. Among grandparents estranged from a grandchild, only 14% said they were the ones who ended the relationship, while 35% said someone else was responsible for the separation.

Yet estrangement does not necessarily mean the door is permanently closed. The same 2025 survey found that 70% of parents estranged from a child and 66% of grandparents estranged from a grandchild would consider reconciliation.

Behind these statistics are millions of parents, grandparents, adult children, and grandchildren living with the loss, uncertainty, grief, and complicated emotions that come when a family relationship breaks down. Grand Alienation exists to help grandparents better understand estrangement, including the perspective of the adult children who choose distance, while offering support, insight, and hope for those who want to leave the door open to a different and healthier relationship in the future.