Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

my son and his wife dropped their child off to me because they could not handle being parents. Can I get custody of my grandson? They have not had any contact with the child or myself and no support for over 5 months. The child was 4 months old when they did this he is now 9 months. I have made several attepts to contact them and they have refused my attempts. What are my options?

thanks

Shelly


Asked on 6/22/11, 4:23 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

It sounds like you may need to apply wiht teh probate Court to be appointed teh Gaurdain and conservator of the child. You then may be able to seek a child support order agaisnt the parents. You might try calling children's services, who may assit you with this and possibly have the county pay your legal fees.

Good luck

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Answered on 6/22/11, 5:20 pm
Michael R. Nack Michael R. Nack, Attorney at Law

There is a specific statute in Missouri which authorizes the court to grant custody of a child to a third party (such as a grndparent) in cases ehere the natural parents are uanable or unwilling to care for the child. I have used this statute to have custody granted to a grandparent in such a case. If you are located in my geographical area, I might be able to offer my legal services to you for a reasonable fee. If you are not within my geographical area, I might be able to refer you to an attorney who can help you. Please feel free to contact me.

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Answered on 6/23/11, 7:10 pm


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