Grandson - New Richmond,WI

Contact an attorney

I say this with respect: If your son truly wanted custody of his son, there are ways and father's rights organizations that could assist him. If he wanted custody of his son and you were willing to help him monetarily, would he move with the child to your city and state? Would you want your son and your grandson living with you?

You say the mother of your grandchild is an alcoholic, could it be your son is also an alcoholic and unemployed?

If you feel your grandson is in jeopardy and/or your son has proof, I suggest you call CPS and let the authorities in So. St. Paul know that you are willing to be a guardian and perhaps adopt your grandchild.

Most of all, be honest and realistic about everything that's going on.

Blessings....

In Ca, you can have either a lawyer, or a Family Services person represent you in court. One or the other but not both. Family Services is free, lawyers cost money. Most lawyers wont bother to fight much if they go up against Family Services since they know theres no money being paid on the other side, and it wont help them to earn money filing charges case after case for their client. Have your son go to Family Services in your state, and see what they say. It might be very helpful to him and cost him nothing. He better be very sure his record and life are clean and he looks like the more favorable parent. Have all the proof, not just opinions or ideas of her inability to parent well. At least he should go for joint custody, and shared time, or physical custody. He needs a stable job, and home too. If you want to fight for the custody, then be aware there may be other family members on her side who will join in and give you a run for your money. It wont be good for the child no matter what. Family should do what they can to make everything right for the child. Taking them away from a family wont help. What everyone should be doing is fighting to help the M. get help so she can be a good M. to the child the times he is with her.

Someone wouldn't lose custody just because they're an alcoholic. They have to be proven to be an unfit parent and the child would have to be in danger. In you believe the child is in danger and is being harmed then you need to call CPS/DCYS and they'll be required to start an investigation within 11 days. You can file anonymously and they still have to investigate.

If you want custody because of whatever reasons, you need to get a lawyer. You might not have any legal rights if your son is in your grandson's life and just doesn't want to rock the boat.

Call an attorney and start documenting EVERYTHING!

How do you know she's an alcoholic? Start there... when do you see her intoxicated? Has she ever driven with the child intoxicated? Does she leave him unattended? Write down whatever you can think of and bring it with you when you meet with the lawyer.

Start calling CPS if you are concerned about the child's daily well-being and encourage your son to do so as well.