HOW DO I GET CUSTODY OR VISITATION AS A GRANDPARENT?

1. Remember you are not the parent! So if there are two parents who are passable (it's up to the court), most courts and state laws do not allow for primary custody in a grandparent. Many states do however have grandparent visitation, but only if certain conditions exist. Visitation is a right to see the child, not control the child's life, so it is limited, but it keeps you involved. A lawyer from your state can help you determine if you have and grandparent rights for custody or visitation under any particular set of circumstances.

2. If one or both of the parents is dead, in jail, or unfit you might be able to get custody. The court will often award a grandparent custody in these cases. Of course your fitness becomes an issue, and how you treat and / or relate to the parent(s) on the other side of the case, as well as any other extended family will be considered in giving you grandparent's custody.

3. If your lawyer says you can't win, get a second opinion! Many lawyers have limited experience in contested grandparent cases, and may not realize what is possible. Further, even if the law is not strictly in your favor, the other party may agree to compromise to save costs and expenses, or even because after some give and take, they reconsider and realize your contact would be in the best interest of the child! A good way to get a second (or third) opinion is to post your case on Legal Match.

4. Use your child to help get more time with the grand kids! If the other parent is unfit, or doesn't provide the child to your child, consider helping him or her with their custody case. One sure fire way to get more time with the grandchildren is to get your child more custody. You can provide financial, babysitting, and / or moral support for your child to help them take more custody, which should mean more custody for you.

The Child Custody Coach E-Book.