Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

Hello,

We plan to retain an attorney on Monday, but I have so many questions right now...plus we'd like to at least be somewhat familiar with what we can and can not do before then. With that said, I was hoping y'all could give me your opinions, advice and/or any information you think might be helpful.

I apologize in advance because this might get a bit long. Here we go...5 years ago my son was 17 years old and a senior in high school. His girlfriend was 2 years younger. Cutest little couple...quarterback and cheerleader. We spent his senior year visiting schools and talking to coaches. He couldn't decide between Clemson and Alabama then out of the blue he dropped them both, started talking to schools in Texas, then signed with TCU. We didn't know why he changed his mind, figured maybe he was getting nervous about leaving home. Well, that wasn't it. His girlfriend was pregnant. We were furious...right up to the moment we saw our beautiful grandchild. We were fortunate enough to be able to take care of the baby while our son could play ball and go to school. His girlfriend finished her last two years of high school in one and started going to a community college. They both were great parents and their relationship grew stronger everyday. My son had planned on staying to get his MBA, but was offered a job he couldn't pass up. Wonderful Fortune 500 company in Austin starting him at 75K. We were so proud. We helped him buy a house in Austin in a great neighborhood and off they went...the three of them. Things were great. Last month, he bought a ring, she said yes and we started planning a good old Texas Wedding! Everything was perfect....until last week. His girlfriend, who is just 19 met some college friends and was introduced to Austin's nightlife...she loved it. So much that she has now decided to call off the wedding. She wants to have fun and doesn't want to be tied down. She informed us tonight that she is taking our granddaughter who is now 3 and moving in with 4 girls who go to Southwest or Texas State...whatever it's called now...the party school. Just in the past couple of days she has gone out drinking, having fun and meeting men. I understand she feels like she has missed out doing these things and now she is playing catch up. That's fine, she can do whatever she want to with her life....no problem...the problem is she is doing all this in front of a 3 year old. Guys come and go from the house, they are up into the wee hours drinking, playing beer pong and having a good time. She tweets selfie's at 3am with random guys and liquor bottles in the background. I'm not judging her, I can't...I did the same thing in college...it was a blast! However, I did not have a 3 year old. In order for a child to thrive they need to be in a safe, secure environment. My son told her to atleast leave the baby with him...she flat out refuses to. We know of her 'hooking up' with 2 guys this week and would love to know where the baby was during those times. Again, I'm not judging her or trying to punish her, I'm only trying to protect my granddaughter. Right now she would be better off with her father full time, but don't know if the court will see that as a reasonable request. What do we need to do? Do you agree this environment will have a lasting effect on my granddaughter? How and what should we do? Should we hire a private investigator? What rights does my son have? Is there any legal way for my son to take the baby? I'm sure this is going to get ugly and turn into a big custody battle, therefore we need to be prepared. Any information or advice you can offer I would more than greatly appreciate.

Thank you so much,

Lauren

*just found out where the baby was while she was 'hooking up' with these random guys...she was asleep, taking a nap! Crazy.

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