If you are a grandparent, you know that love and care can extend across generations. Georgia understands that there are many circumstances where a grandparent might be a better environment for their grandchild. But, what are the circumstances where the state might remove the parents’ rights and establish a different custody arrangement?
What scenarios would give me rights?
Typically, the child’s birth parents must either consent to have their parental rights removed or have a court decide that a third-party care provider is in the best interest of the child. A parent can consent to signing away their rights in a contract or agree to give the child for adoption.
What if the parents do not want to give up their rights?
The parents’ consent may not be required when there are more disturbing scenarios. This is where grandparents and Georgia courts get involved. If a parent is unable to provide necessary care for their child or displays cruelty to the child, a court may decide it is in the best interest of a child to live with their grandparents.
What if I think I should have custody of my grandchild?
If you believe that your children are victims of the opioid epidemic, or they are dealing with mental health problems that render them unable to provide childcare, you have options. Your grandchildren deserve care and a safe environment.
Many Georgia family law attorneys are compassionate and sensitive to your needs and goals as a grandparent. In addition to the unfortunate cases of cruelty to children, there may also be other scenarios where you may have a custody case, if, for example, the child lives with you already and you need custody to make care decisions. You have unique goals and needs, and your grandchild at the center of it all. If you find yourself in a situation where you suspect your grandchild is not receiving the care they need, an attorney can help.
