| If you are now one of the growing group of | | | | therefore come and live with them. But the situation |
| grandparents that have had the door shut on a | | | | will be assesed on what is in the childs best interest |
| relationship with your grandchildren then I feel your | | | | and the following aspects will be taken into account |
| desperation and pain. It is easy to read court cases in | | | | when deciding upon the grandparents rights: |
| the papers and watch proceedings on the TV but it | | | | In which household should the child live: |
| isn't until you find yourself in this dark place that you | | | | - Just one party i.e. in the grandparent's house only |
| discover that grandparents rights are different in all | | | | (sole physical) |
| U.S States and you are lost in the mire. | | | | - Split the living between two parties i.e. with the |
| So, the first step, whatever your particular | | | | grandparents and with the biological parents (Joint |
| circumstances are is to research and understand the | | | | physical) |
| law in your state. Seeking the help of a local attorney | | | | The court may decide that this physical custody is |
| who is experienced in child custody cases is certainly | | | | not deemed necessary where the grandparent is |
| recommended as general information is not sufficient | | | | concerned and may grant legal custody on a joint or |
| in what can be an extremely complicated situation. | | | | sole basis only. Legal custody allows decisions to be |
| You could be seeking custody of a grandchild | | | | made regarding such matters as education, health, |
| because you feel the child's welfare is threatened. | | | | religion and day to day activities. |
| The courts will expect you to provide detailed proof | | | | As you can see, nothing is straightforward and |
| of your claims and this is where the process can be | | | | grandparents rights are viewed on a case by case |
| difficult. | | | | basis. The situation can be traumatic for the |
| What if you feel one of the following situations has | | | | grandparents and the grandchildren and whatever the |
| arisen: | | | | outcome there will be pain, upset, distress and even |
| - The parents are drug or alcohol abusers | | | | anger for all involved. |
| - The grandchild is frequently left alone without | | | | Seek skilled legal advice from someone in your locality |
| adequate parental control and care. | | | | qualified to handle grandparents rights. The merits of |
| -One or both parents are dealing with mental illness. | | | | your particular case can only be assessed by a |
| -Suspected child abuse by one or both parents. | | | | qualified attorney. Grandparents rights issues are |
| It is not as simple as you may see it. To the | | | | complex and difficult not to mention mentally |
| grandparent it may seem perfectly clear that the | | | | exhausting. |
| court will deem the child is at risk and should | | | | |