Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana

Grandchild Guardianship

Granddaughter is 16 (17 in Feb.). She has lived with us in the past with mother's ok. Mother does not want her to be successful when living with us and causes problems and the last time made her leave us and come home with her. GD has been on probation 3 times while with her mother since age 14. Mother does not supervise her. Lets her stay overnight with her 19 year old boyfriend even though she has a curfew. She goes out drinking with her friends who are 18-19 years old. Boyfiend is abusive and controlling. GD has been sent to Girls' School for 2 weeks. Has been in counseling and on meds but mother pulls her from counseling and will not buy meds for her. Father is not in picture. He pays support but has not had (and does not want any) contact with her for 3 years.

We (grandparents) would like to get custody of her but feel that it would be a contested custody because mother does not want to lose the child support. GD is on Hoosier Health as father & mother do not have insurance.

Pros & cons of us getting custody?

If contested, could we get support from Mother & father? What about Hoosier Health? We both work but are 62 & 54. Thanks.


Asked on 1/07/09, 12:03 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jay Rigdon Rockhill Pinnick LLP

Re: Grandchild Guardianship

You are in our practice area. This calls for more of a response than I can give by email, and we would also need to know that we are not otherwise involved in the case to avoid a conflict of interest. You may contact me for an appointment if you wish to discuss. Thank you.

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Answered on 1/08/09, 5:19 pm


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