Legal custody is awarded by the courts and is not merely a written agreement between two parties. If both parties are not in agreement, the grandparent or must prove to the court that it is in the best interest of the child or children to be raised by someone other than the parent.
You can learn a lot more about these matters by consulting The Custody Center. They have a rich and deep library and database of knowledge on the issues of grandparents rights that will aid you inn figuring out the specifics of your state laws.
If neglect or abuse of a child is suspected, it should be reported to a Department of Social Services. According to The Custody Center, it is also important to record and document any reasons why a child should be removed from the custody of his or her parents. This is never a decision that a court makes lightly and clear supporting evidence must be presented by a relative when seeking custody of a child.
When a person or couple becomes the custodian of a child, this does not legally sever other family relationships as in the case of adoption and may be reversed at a later time when circumstances change.
When seeking custody of a grandchild, the safest way may be to hire an attorney to do the work for you. But that is an expensive and last ditch option. Instead, utilize the much more cost-efficient methods available to you by getting educated about what grandparents custody right are in your state, and how to obtain them without huge legal fees.
Got to The Custody Center for this assistance, and you will not be disappointed in the quality of their resources and ability to help you understand the best way to proceed in a grandparents custody situation.
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