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How do I keep custody of my grandson who has lived with me since birth

This legal question related to child custody attorneys in North Carolina has been answered.

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My daughter walked out on her son, I had temp to permanent custody, she is now seeking custody almost 2years later with little to know contact from her


Seeking Custody of Your Grandson: A Guide to Protecting His Best Interests

As a grandparent who has been providing care and stability for your grandson since birth, it's understandable that you want to ensure his well-being and maintain custody. The situation you're facing with your daughter's sudden interest in seeking custody after an extended period of little to no contact can be challenging. However, there are legal avenues you can explore to protect your grandson's best interests and maintain custody.

Possible Solutions and Legal Resources

To address this custody issue, it would be beneficial for you to consult with a qualified family law attorney in North Carolina who specializes in child custody cases. They can guide you through the legal process and help you build a strong case to demonstrate that maintaining custody with you is in your grandson's best interests. It's crucial to provide evidence of your daughter's inconsistent involvement and her failure to provide a safe and structured environment for your grandson.

You can find and compare experienced family law attorneys in your area by visiting Explore Lawyers. This platform allows you to search for attorneys based on their location, area of expertise, and experience. It provides a comprehensive directory of lawyers, enabling you to find the best legal representation for your specific case.

If you have any specific legal questions or concerns, you can also ask a legal question on Explore Lawyers, where experienced attorneys can provide insights and guidance based on your situation.

Estimated Rates for Legal Services in North Carolina

The cost of legal services can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the attorney's experience, and the location. Below is an estimate of attorney rates in North Carolina for child custody cases:

Service Estimated Cost
Initial consultation $150 - $300
Attorney retainer fee $1,500 - $3,000
Hourly rate for legal representation $200 - $400
Filing fees $100 - $200
Mediation fees (if applicable) $100 - $300/hour

Please note that these rates are approximate and can vary. It's essential to discuss the specifics of your case with an attorney to get a more accurate estimate.

Relevant Authorities and Resources

To gain a better understanding of the legal process and your rights as a grandparent seeking custody, you may find the following resources helpful:

  1. North Carolina Judicial Branch
  2. North Carolina General Statutes - Chapter 50

Positives and Negatives

Positives:

  • You have been providing care and stability for your grandson since birth.
  • Your daughter's inconsistent involvement and inability to provide a safe and structured environment can be strong factors in your favor.

Negatives:

  • Your daughter is now seeking custody, which can complicate the situation and require legal intervention.
  • The lack of consistent communication between your daughter and your grandson may impact the legal proceedings.

Legal Disclaimer

I am not an attorney, and this information should not be considered legal advice. Consulting with a qualified family law attorney is essential to understand your rights and options fully. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only.

Review Summary

In summary, you have been caring for your grandson since birth, while your daughter has had little to no contact with him. Now that she is seeking custody, it's crucial to consult with a family law attorney in North Carolina who can guide you through the legal process

Legal Solution

The response provided below is specific to child custody attorneys in the jurisdiction of North Carolina. If the response is inadequate, please submit a detailed inquiry.

Complex Terrain of Grandparent Custody Rights in North Carolina

Based on your situation, you've had temporary to permanent custody of your grandson since his birth and are now facing a scenario where the biological mother is seeking custody after almost two years of limited contact. This situation falls under the umbrella of child custody law, and because it involves grandparents, it has its unique complexities. The most relevant factor courts will likely consider is the "best interests of the child."

Relevant Statutes and Resources

  • North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.1: Child custody
  • North Carolina General Statutes § 50-13.2: Who entitled to custody; terms of custody; visitation rights of grandparents
  • North Carolina Judicial Branch: The most authoritative source for North Carolina laws and procedures.

Possible Solutions

  1. Consult with a Child Custody Attorney: Given the complexities involved, it is advisable to consult with specialized child custody attorneys in North Carolina who can guide you through the legal landscape.

  2. Gather Evidence: Courts generally consider factors like the emotional and physical needs of the child, the ability of each parent (or grandparent) to meet these needs, and the existing relationship between the child and the family members. Since the child has lived with you since birth, gather evidence that demonstrates your suitability and the child’s attachment to you.

  3. Court Filing: You may need to file a petition in a North Carolina court to assert your rights formally. This will involve submitting all the required documents and evidence, possibly attending mediation, and then proceeding to court hearings if necessary.

  4. Mediation and Settlement: Before a court hearing, you might have the opportunity to reach a settlement through mediation. This is less adversarial and could be a faster way to resolve the issue.

Cost Estimates for Legal Services in North Carolina

Service Average Cost
Initial Consultation $200 - $400
Full Legal Representation $3,000 - $10,000
Court Filing Fees $100 - $250
Mediation Fees $500 - $2,000

Note: These are average costs, and legal fees can vary significantly based on the complexity of your case and the attorney’s experience.

Additional Information Required

To provide you with the most accurate and tailored advice, it would be beneficial to have more details.

Call to Action:

Reach out for an initial consultation with a child custody attorney to discuss your case in detail.

Questions for You

  1. Have you formally adopted your grandson, or is the current custody arrangement purely legal?
  2. Has the biological mother made any attempts to be part of the child’s life during these two years?
  3. Do you have documentation supporting your claim that you've been the primary caregiver since birth?

Q1: How do courts determine the "best interests of the child" in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, courts look at a variety of factors such as emotional ties, the capacity of the parties to provide a stable home, the child’s adjustment to their current home, school, and community, as well as any history of abuse or neglect.

Q2: Can grandparents get primary custody in North Carolina?

Yes, grandparents can get primary custody, but they must demonstrate that they are better suited to serve the best interests of the child than the biological parents.

Q3: What role does mediation play in child custody cases?

Mediation is often used to reach a less adversarial resolution. Both parties discuss their concerns and try to arrive at an agreement with the help of a neutral third party.

Q4: Can custody orders be modified?

Yes, custody orders can be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances affecting the best interests of the child.

Q5: What are the financial obligations for grandparents seeking custody?

Grandparents seeking custody may be responsible for legal fees, court costs, and potentially child support payments depending on the final custody arrangement.

To find the right solution tailored for you, it is strongly recommended to find the right lawyer for your case and perhaps even ask a free legal question related to your specific scenario.

Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and does not establish an attorney-client relationship. It's always recommended to consult with a local attorney about your specific situation.

Written, answered, changed

Legal question "How do I keep custody of my grandson who has lived with me since birth" has been changed 1 year 7 months ago. Demonstrate your legal skills and willingness to help and answer right now! Issue is related to the location of North Carolina & area of law: child custody attorneys.
Latest reviews & rating
Last answer by Customer  |  Written  1 year 11 months ago
Written by Mary Rogers (review) Thu, 04/14/2022 - 16:18 She walked out on her son. Went to court got custody, permanent after 6 months. That was 1 1/2 years ago. Now she wants him back with little to no…
Last answer by Mary Rogers (review)  |  Written  3 years ago
Written by Mary Rogers (review) Thu, 04/14/2022 - 16:18 She walked out on her son. Went to court got custody, permanent after 6 months. That was 1 1/2 years ago. Now she wants him back with little to no…

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Comments: answer this question

"How do I keep custody of my grandson who has lived with me since birth"

child custody attorneys North Carolina

Written by Mary Rogers (review)
Thu, 04/14/2022 - 16:18

She walked out on her son.

Went to court got custody, permanent after 6 months.

That was 1 1/2 years ago.

Now she wants him back with little to no communication or go distance on her part.

I've allowed her to come see him, talk on the phone etc...but she has never been consistent for him, we've gone months without hearing from her.

I need him to be safe, structured and protected.

She cannot nor has not ever provided that for him.

I even have letters she wrote stating she wished he was never born.

 

 

 

 

 

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Written by Counselor
Thu, 05/11/2023 - 02:26

Seeking Custody of Your Grandson: A Guide to Protecting His Best Interests

As a grandparent who has been providing care and stability for your grandson since birth, it's understandable that you want to ensure his well-being and maintain custody. The situation you're facing with your daughter's sudden interest in seeking custody after an extended period of little to no contact can be challenging. However, there are legal avenues you can explore to protect your grandson's best interests and maintain custody.

Possible Solutions and Legal Resources

To address this custody issue, it would be beneficial for you to consult with a qualified family law attorney in North Carolina who specializes in child custody cases. They can guide you through the legal process and help you build a strong case to demonstrate that maintaining custody with you is in your grandson's best interests. It's crucial to provide evidence of your daughter's inconsistent involvement and her failure to provide a safe and structured environment for your grandson.

You can find and compare experienced family law attorneys in your area by visiting Explore Lawyers. This platform allows you to search for attorneys based on their location, area of expertise, and experience. It provides a comprehensive directory of lawyers, enabling you to find the best legal representation for your specific case.

If you have any specific legal questions or concerns, you can also ask a legal question on Explore Lawyers, where experienced attorneys can provide insights and guidance based on your situation.

Estimated Rates for Legal Services in North Carolina

The cost of legal services can vary depending on various factors, including the complexity of the case, the attorney's experience, and the location. Below is an estimate of attorney rates in North Carolina for child custody cases:

Service Estimated Cost
Initial consultation $150 - $300
Attorney retainer fee $1,500 - $3,000
Hourly rate for legal representation $200 - $400
Filing fees $100 - $200
Mediation fees (if applicable) $100 - $300/hour

Please note that these rates are approximate and can vary. It's essential to discuss the specifics of your case with an attorney to get a more accurate estimate.

Relevant Authorities and Resources

To gain a better understanding of the legal process and your rights as a grandparent seeking custody, you may find the following resources helpful:

  1. North Carolina Judicial Branch
  2. North Carolina General Statutes - Chapter 50

Positives and Negatives

Positives:

  • You have been providing care and stability for your grandson since birth.
  • Your daughter's inconsistent involvement and inability to provide a safe and structured environment can be strong factors in your favor.

Negatives:

  • Your daughter is now seeking custody, which can complicate the situation and require legal intervention.
  • The lack of consistent communication between your daughter and your grandson may impact the legal proceedings.

Legal Disclaimer

I am not an attorney, and this information should not be considered legal advice. Consulting with a qualified family law attorney is essential to understand your rights and options fully. The information provided here is for general informational purposes only.

Review Summary

In summary, you have been caring for your grandson since birth, while your daughter has had little to no contact with him. Now that she is seeking custody, it's crucial to consult with a family law attorney in North Carolina who can guide you through the legal process.

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