My husband and I have had our grandson since he was two weeks old. He is now 18 months old. His mother has not even tried to come and see him. She states that she is too busy. However, she has been telling everyone she runs into that her son is handicapped without knowing anything about her son. I want to know what I can do to protect my grandson from her, without taking full custody away from my son. I do want to take her parental rights away, due to her lack of care.
2007-03-28 18:27:45 · 10 answers · asked by bowlramam1 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
This is very HARD question for me...since my daughter's inlaws lied about her being fit, to take her kids. (and yes, I do mean committed fraud, which there is ample proof of).
But there are unfit parents. IN Texas, the parents have to be divorcing, OR in jail, or dead..AND proven unfit. Both elements have to be there. I vehemently disagree with the idea that you should do nothing, since that leaves it all open without any record, and technically, you are hanging out there with no legal rights or authority.
A father can file to have full custody against mom. Or you can file against both parents. I don't think there is a middle ground. What you left out, is where is dad? If you file for full custody... she has the right to contest it.. but at this point, it seems clear she has abandoned.
I personally believe FAR too many grandparents cannot see the difference between the parent is unfit, or the parent is just not raising the child as the grandparents think they should. How my grandchildren were taken away is SO twisted, and bizarre that I hate to even try explaining.
But.. I try having the open mind, that there are many parents who should have their rights limited or terminated.
A court order is an absolute necessity to protect baby. Please, get a consultation with an attorney in your state.
2007-03-28 19:25:27 · answer #1 · answered by wendy c 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It's really hard to answer this because there are a lot of details missing.
Is your son and the mother together? Are they married?
Are you guardians to your grandson through a court order or have you "unofficially" taken over primary care of your grandson?
Your son may be able to petition the courts himself for sole custody of the boy.
The best thing would be for you, your husband, and your son to discuss this with a family law attorney.
2007-03-29 01:39:33 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only way you will be able to sleep at night and live a normal day would to get full custody. I'm sorry to say but my cousin is in the same situation. You need to put that baby first and protect him, so he can live a semi normal life. The best way is to keep records of her actions from out burst, to not showing for visitation, and also consistancy. this will be ruff but you need to be strong and not give her so many chances. The second she an she will try and take him away. I will pray for your family. God bless.
2007-03-29 01:35:55 · answer #3 · answered by Aztec_Angel 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I take it you are not the parents of the mother in question.
Where is your son in all of this? It's his decision, not yours. You are grandparents and in some states you have rights, but as long as both biological parents of the child are living and breathing the social welfare system's goal will be to keep the parents with the child.
I think you have issues with the woman your son chose to have a child with. That's something for a therapist's office. The court system is already overwhelmed with cases like yours.
2007-03-29 03:11:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
first what state do you live in??
second, is this your daughter? or daughter in law, persey?
third, if she isnt visiting the child at all, why the sudden need of legalities?
that is his real mother and I dont belive your motives are as pure as you represent them to be
a court will most likely never in a million years declare your case what you want it to be
when and if she wants custody back, then you have a court case. until then , you have no leg to stand on unless you want to adopt the child
2007-03-29 01:39:37 · answer #5 · answered by lllll 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Does your sun has full custody now?
If she doesn't see him, then what's the problem? If you know that you guys have him and it's legally ok that she doesn't, where's the problem?
If you guys are already in full care of him, and you pry to have her rights taken away, it may backfire. If she doesn't see him, and doesn't contact him, then let it be, IMO.
2007-03-29 01:38:38 · answer #6 · answered by itskatyo 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
is she young? maybe she just needs to grow up, did she leave him with you or did you have him taken?
it doesnt' sound like shes a danger, maybe she needs help learning to be a mother instead of her child being taken away, the best thing you can do for your grandchild is help his mother not have her taken out of his life
2007-03-29 01:39:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
you must show reasons why in a family environment she would not be able to give her fulfill the kids needs
2007-03-29 01:36:04 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Talk to a social worker.
2007-03-29 01:30:46 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it would be easier to prove that you are a good gaurdian rather than proving that she isnt
that sounds like it wuld backfire
it wuld be much safer 4 u to prove as the more mature gaurdian
2007-03-29 01:33:39 · answer #10 · answered by sheldon p 1 · 2⤊ 1⤋