West Suburban Bureau

Craig Stebic Offers To End Visitation Fight

Lisa Stebic's Parents And Grandparents Want To Be Able To See Couple's Children

PLAINFIELD, Ill. (CBS) ― A settlement offer may end a visitation fight between Craig Stebic and the parents of his missing wife. CBS 2's Kristyn Hartman reports that the offer comes after Lisa Stebic's parents requested he answer probing questions in writing.

Plainfield mother Lisa Stebic vanished in April 2007; she and her husband were in the midst of a divorce at the time and police named him a "person of interest" in the case, but Craig Stebic hasn't been charged with any wrongdoing. 

He is now raising their two kids.

Melanie Greenberg, a spokeswoman for Lisa Stebic's family, said Lisa's parents really want to see the two kids, but they are out of reach.

"These children, who are 13 and 11, are all we have left of Lisa, who's been missing now for over a year. It's very important for us; they're constantly on our minds," Greenberg said.

Lisa Stebic's parents, Lawrence and Judth Ruttenberg have filed a grandparent visitation petition. In a document tied to the case, they accused Craig Stebic of exposing their grandkids to weapons, alcohol and threats.

The Ruttenbergs also claimed some of those threats, violent in nature, came their way.

But Craig Stebic's attorney, Dion Davi, said, "Anybody can allege anything in these matters, especially in this case. It's easy to do because Lisa's not here to support what decisions her and Craig made in the past."

But that court document insinuates Craig Stebic was the one calling the shots when it came to the kids.

"Lisa's parents have not been allowed to speak to or see these children for at least three years," Greenberg said. 

The Ruttenberg's attorney, Tim Daw, said, "They would want as much time as they can get."

They might not have to go to trial to get it. On Friday, Craig Stebic put forth a visitation settlement through his lawyer after the Ruttenbergs requested he answer probing questions in writing.

Craig Stebic's attorney said Tuesday that the settlement is confidential, and the Ruttenberg's lawyer said he's reviewing the offer. They hope for "contact with the kids and to make sure the kids are safe and protected," Daw said.

Craig Stebic's attorney said his client believes there are reasons to limit visitation by his kids' grandparents. The great grandparents are also named in the petition.

If the Ruttenbergs and Craig Stebic can agree on a settlement, they can tell the judge on or before a hearing scheduled for June 10. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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