When people have children most assume those children will grow up, find a partner, settle down and start a family of their own. When individuals think about having grandchildren, they probably envision visiting them and taking them out for treats. Then the grandparents go back home having enjoyed the time spent. Unfortunately in Durham, NC and elsewhere, there seems to be a growing trend where grandparents end up raising their grandchildren. In Durham, NC when they seek official grandparent custody Durham NC seniors sometimes find it confusing and frustrating however.
Parenting styles vary from household to household, and sometimes the older generation does not approve of the way their children are handling the day to day challenges of parenting. They may object strongly about everything from what the grandchildren eat to how they are disciplined. There is rarely anything they can do about it however, because removing children from the parental home is something social services and courts try to avoid.
Many people believe parents caught taking illegal drugs automatically lose guardianship of their children, but this is not always the case. Many states do not regard illegal drug activity child abuse. It may take proving parents have involved the minor children in the drug activities. Some states recognize the use of drugs during pregnancy a risk to the unborn child which qualifies as abuse.
Most often parents simply give up their rights to children. They either drop off the children one day and don't return, or gradually leave the children in the grandparents care for longer and longer periods of time until the parent simply drifts away. Most grandparents willingly accept the unexpected responsibility.
Death and incarceration are two events that take parents from their children suddenly. In these cases, the grandparents may decide to leave the situation as it is after filing any paperwork necessary so they have can make important decision on the children's behalf. Other grandparents try to make legal custodial care arrangements through the court system.
Grandparents determined to get legal guardianship of their grandchildren often have a difficult time convincing the court they should have custodial care. They have more influence with a judge if they have already taken primary responsibility of the minors because the parents have abandoned their rights, have been proven abusive, or have been convicted of a serious crime. Grandparents will also have to prove granting them guardianship is in the best interest of the children.
A lot of times grandparents who have won custodial rights mistakenly think they have as many rights as adoptive parents. This is not correct. If parents want their children back, the court is inclined to allow it as long as they are convinced it would be in the children's best interest. If this happens, the grandparents automatically lose their guardianship status and may risk losing visitation privileges.
It is always difficult when close relatives fear children might not have the kind of home life they deserve. Unfortunately it is sometimes difficult to correct the situation without going through a multitude of legal hurdles.
Parenting styles vary from household to household, and sometimes the older generation does not approve of the way their children are handling the day to day challenges of parenting. They may object strongly about everything from what the grandchildren eat to how they are disciplined. There is rarely anything they can do about it however, because removing children from the parental home is something social services and courts try to avoid.
Many people believe parents caught taking illegal drugs automatically lose guardianship of their children, but this is not always the case. Many states do not regard illegal drug activity child abuse. It may take proving parents have involved the minor children in the drug activities. Some states recognize the use of drugs during pregnancy a risk to the unborn child which qualifies as abuse.
Most often parents simply give up their rights to children. They either drop off the children one day and don't return, or gradually leave the children in the grandparents care for longer and longer periods of time until the parent simply drifts away. Most grandparents willingly accept the unexpected responsibility.
Death and incarceration are two events that take parents from their children suddenly. In these cases, the grandparents may decide to leave the situation as it is after filing any paperwork necessary so they have can make important decision on the children's behalf. Other grandparents try to make legal custodial care arrangements through the court system.
Grandparents determined to get legal guardianship of their grandchildren often have a difficult time convincing the court they should have custodial care. They have more influence with a judge if they have already taken primary responsibility of the minors because the parents have abandoned their rights, have been proven abusive, or have been convicted of a serious crime. Grandparents will also have to prove granting them guardianship is in the best interest of the children.
A lot of times grandparents who have won custodial rights mistakenly think they have as many rights as adoptive parents. This is not correct. If parents want their children back, the court is inclined to allow it as long as they are convinced it would be in the children's best interest. If this happens, the grandparents automatically lose their guardianship status and may risk losing visitation privileges.
It is always difficult when close relatives fear children might not have the kind of home life they deserve. Unfortunately it is sometimes difficult to correct the situation without going through a multitude of legal hurdles.
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