More and more often Ohio residents hear of grandparents fighting for child custody of their grandchildren. A number of those cases are due to one or both parents serving jail time for some type of crime, absence because of illegal drug use, or they simply cannot commit to being the parents they need to be. One woman is fighting for child custody of her 3-year-old grandson after her daughter was brutally murdered.
Just after the mother was killed, the little boy was taken away from the home he and his mother shared with his grandmother. The grandmother says the Department of Social Services took the boy after receiving numerous calls defaming her character. DSS has the responsibility to investigate the claims to ensure the boy will be living in a safe, nurturing environment.
The grandmother has been able to visit her grandson four times since he was taken in April of this year. The final report given by DSS will help in determining whether she will be named the boy’s guardian. The boy’s father does not live near his son but has been interviewed for his assessment of the situation. The grandmother and her lawyer have an upcoming court appearance scheduled in the ongoing battle for custody of her grandson.
Rights are restricted for grandparents in the state where this woman lives. However, the laws are different in each state. Should a grandparent living in Ohio be interested in learning more about his or her rights in securing child custody of a grandchild, a family law attorney will be able to answer any questions that may arise.
Source: wwaytv3.com, “Family fights for custody of child after mother murdered“, Basil John, Aug. 25, 2017