temporary grandparent custody

[johnnypatty]

state of tennessee - our daughter is a 29yr old mother of 5yr old grandson. she is a drug addict and has refused treatment and living in an environment dangerous to the child. we as well as the other grandparents have consulted with child services and a local referred atty. we seek temp custody of child until mother accepts help. what should we be prepared for in the courts ?

[Proserpina]

Originally Posted by johnnypatty

state of tennessee - our daughter is a 29yr old mother of 5yr old grandson. she is a drug addict and has refused treatment and living in an environment dangerous to the child. we as well as the other grandparents have consulted with child services and a local referred atty. we seek temp custody of child until mother accepts help. what should we be prepared for in the courts ?

What did the attorney say?

Can you prove that the child is endangered?

Where is Dad?

Exactly how many of you are wanting to take this to court?

[johnnypatty]

mother of 5yr old has disappeared with child. proof that she doctor shops for prescription pills, is on probation for domestic violence and living with a convicted felon also on probation for drugs. petition filed today to gain temporary custody (1300.00 retainer paid). childs father is in jail for drugs & theft and is seperated from childs mother. it is us grandparents and siblings of the mother that are seeking to intervene

[Proserpina]

Originally Posted by johnnypatty

mother of 5yr old has disappeared with child. proof that she doctor shops for prescription pills, is on probation for domestic violence and living with a convicted felon also on probation for drugs. petition filed today to gain temporary custody (1300.00 retainer paid). childs father is in jail for drugs & theft and is seperated from childs mother. it is us grandparents and siblings of the mother that are seeking to intervene

Disappeared? She has the right to go wherever she wants with her child. What do you mean by "disappeared"?

If the child is at risk, have you involved CPS? If not, why not?

What proof is there of doctor shopping?

Again, what did the attorney advise?

[Proserpina]

OP, would you give permission for me to post the question you asked of me via the private message function?



ETA: OP's PM function is not turned on so I posted the question below.

[Proserpina]

And now I can answer

ok i am new to this sight and quite a computer dumb country boy trying to help in this situation where i married a wonderful woman that has a daughter that has chosen a life of drugs and thugs. we have reached our rock bottom at trying to get this girl to hit hers. the atty that was referred by child services,which is now involved in this backwards little suburb of nashville, says the we have the proof and will petition the courts on monday to remove child from this drug invested environment. mom, with what brains she has left, will fight. atty says this weekend try to find and obtain possession of child. monday papers will be served and a possible hearing by judge on wed

If you have an attorney who is willing to act upon your behalf then the best advice you can be given here is, very simply, "do what your attorney instructs".

We can't second guess your attorney - it would be irresponsible to do so. S/he has all of the pertinent facts...we do not.

But please do one thing. If you genuinely care for this child, STOP referring to her Mother in such derogatory terms. I know you're frustrated, and I know the situation is stressful but that's out of line. Period.

[johnnypatty]

thanks, frustration can make us forget the golden rule --jws

[Proserpina]

Originally Posted by johnnypatty

thanks, frustration can make us forget the golden rule --jws

LOL yes, frustration can indeed do that!

There are many step-parents, grandparents and other third parties who regularly post here - believe us, we've been there. We understand the frustration and the anger, and many have had to take the smack-downs in the court-room when we've spoken out of turn.

But above all we've had to learn that it doesn't matter what we want. Doesn't matter one iota that we think someone is, or is not, fit to be a parent. What matters in court is what can be proven, and overall....what is best for that child.

And sometimes what is best for the child isn't us.