3 reasons grandparents might seek custody
Being a grandparent can be an incredible experience. You get to dote on your grandkids, spend time with them and take them on excursions they will never forget. One of the best parts, though, is the fact that they get to go home with their parents at the end of the day—which makes the time you spend together all the more special. There are some circumstances, though, in which this might not be the case.
If you are a grandparent seeking custody, there are several things you should know about the process—and several reasons why you might be doing so. Consider the following situations, and if any of them apply to you, you should seek out counsel from a legal representative to better understand your case.
Drug addiction
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one in eight kids live in a home with a parent who suffers from substance abuse. This might be alcoholism or abuse of prescription drugs, or it might be an addiction to narcotics. No matter what kind of substance abuse a parent suffers from, it puts kids at risk, and it might be motivation for grandparents to seek custody.
Abusive situation
Substance abuse is not the only problem that could motivate you to seek custody of grandkids. You might also do so if they are in a living situation that is abusive. Perhaps their parents are verbally, physically or emotionally negligent. This is reason enough for intervention from child protective services, and it is also a good reason for you to seek custody, too.
Parent passes away
Tragically, it is sometimes a necessity rather than an option for grandparents to seek custody of their grandchildren. This might be true if the parents of the children die and leave them without a legal guardian. In such circumstances, grandparents should seek out custody to ensure that the kids are cared for properly.
