custody/visitation?

mlagena

I was just wondering if anyone has any experience in getting visitation rights for grandparents? I would much prefer custody, but I know that grandparents have minimal rights.
long story, but any responses are much appreciated.
Thanks.

BassBoneBabe

I wish I could help more, but the law varies by state. I would suggest calling up an attorney and asking what the rights are in your state. They would know best and help you along in your journey. Good Luck!

Mande_G

Call your local state bar office. They should be able to direct you to programs like a lawyer referral service, ask-a-lawyer program, or legal aid (we have these in Nevada, dunno about other states but it can't hurt to look into) especially if money is an issue.

Johnnyswife

Yup...get a lawyer. You'll need one if you want full custody and you'll have to prove both parents are unfit to raise the kid.

fooja

yes u need to find out what the laws are in your state. you can probably search online and find some answers and then u can call a lawyer to answer your questions. good luck!

Alysgrma

Let me share just a little bit of my story and it might help you.
My daughter was killed on Sept 06, 5 wks after having a baby. At the time I lived in Memphis and my son in law could not
take care of the baby so I moved back to Indiana on Jan 13th ,2006. On Jan 16th he brought the 5 mos old baby over and left her and didn't come back for her. He would come visit her but wouldn't take her home.
She lived with me and my son until she was 3 1/2yrs old. I was becoming her mommy.
I forgave my daughters killer and my son in law found out and hated it and one day came over and took her and didn't bring her back nor could I see her nor could I have her. It was tearing this child up because I was her mom, the only mom she knew for 3 1/2yrs and couldnt see me or even talk to me on the phone. All because her dad didn't like the fact I forgave her moms killer. It was my daughter who was killed and it was between me & God!
I had to take him to court with grand parents rights and won!!!! I got every Tue evening and have to take her to the sitter before I head to work on Wednesday and then I get her everyother weekend F-S and we share holidays...most of the time I have her 2 days a week anyway :happy:
My 4 1/2yr old granddaughter brought up on Easter how I never came to see her and how she missed me. After a year this child still remembers when she didn't get to see me. Her dad has no idea what he did to this child!!!
If at all possible I would try to work things out so the court is not involved but if not you do have rights. Each state is different and some laws are not very good towards the grandparents. You may end up seeing the child once a month. That was the law in my state, just a monthly visit, but I was able to work things out before we appeared in front of the judge.
Good luck and God Bless

mlagena

Thanks so much for all the replies.
Alysgrma, I'm so glad things worked out for you in the end, it really gives me hope.
You know, I'm just the aunt(and have zero rights), but I'm hoping if I can gather enough information that I can persuade my parents that this would be best. My sister has been turned in to child services several times.
She actually just ran off with the kids (without telling anyone, even the father and paternal grandmother who HAVE visitation) to another state. We heard it through the grapevine. So, I'm wondering if we'll have to go by the home state or the new state?
Thanks again.

Alysgrma

Honey my heart hurts with yours because I have been there. I would advice finding a lawyer who specializes in grandparents rights AND have won cases, not just a family lawyer but one who deals with the rights of grandparents. You can call the board and ask questions or just start calling and asking for referrals...which is what I did. My lawyer was referred to me.

Good Luck and I am always here to talk if you need it or just a shoulder to cry on
Mary