Legal Question in Family Law in California

Re: Grandchild Custody

You could file a petition to be named her guardian. To be successful you will have to prove that it is detrimental for your son to have custody of the child.

There is also a risk that her mother will show up and demand custody. The fact that she has apparently not visited the child for eight years will help you show that it would detrimental for her to have custody of the child.

You could report the situation to child protective services. This course of action has some risk. The juvenile court may determine that you should not have custody of the child.

The first step you should take is to contact an attorney and discuss the facts of your case with the attorney.

Re: Grandchild Custody

The court will consider placing the child with the mother if you were to file for custody. Custody is to be given to a non-parent, if the child had been residing in an wholesome environment, and, it would be detrimental for the child to live with a parent. Call me directly at (619) 222-3504.

Re: Grandchild Custody

Dear Inquirer:

Nothing herein shall create an attorney-client

relationship, unless a written retainer agreement

is executed by the attorney and client. This

communication contains general information only.

Nothing herein shall constitute an attorney-client

communication nor legal advice. There likely are

deadlines and time-limits associated with your

case; you should contact an attorney of your

choice for legal advice specific to your personal

situation, at once.

If you haven't already done so, please visit my

web site at --

http://home.pacbell.net/edbjr/ OR

http://www.CaliforniaDivorceAttorney.com

The site contains quite a bit of general

information about California Family Law, Tenants'

Rights, and Juvenile Dependencies, and EDD

hearings and appeals, as well as information

about me (education, experience, et cetera)

and my office (location, hours, fees, policies).

NOW, IN RESPONSE TO YOUR INQUIRY --

If there is imminent danger to the child you should notify Child Protective Services at once. If the facts warrant it, the child will either be placed in an institution, with a foster family, or -- most likely -- with you.

Otherwise, you can apply to become guardian of the minor, especially if Dad agrees and Mother has been absent from the child's life for more than two years.

This is NOT a "do-it-yourself project." Contact a lawyer who is familiar with family law, juvenile dependency proceedings, and guardianships.

Thanks for sharing your interesting inquiry with

us on LawGuru, and good luck with your case.