One of the joys of growing old is the opportunity to become a grandparent. Spending time with the children of your children can be a wonderful way to stay vibrant and connected to your family. However, not all family units allow grandparents access to the children, even when questionable decisions by the parents leave the children needing someone to intervene on their behalf. In those estranged relationships and concerning moments, you may wonder if grandparents have any legal rights to their grandchildren.

Your Limitations

When it comes to grandparent rights, there are very few. Parents are the ones who tend to have exclusive rights in making decisions concerning the well-being of their children. If a child is experiencing neglect or abuse, the state may come in and remove the child from the home, pending an investigation into the situation. In this case, grandparents could be awarded temporary custody of a child. However, the goal is the have the home situations corrected to where the parents can be reunited with the child.

Even if you think you can do a better job of raising your grandchild than the parents, you don’t have the legal right to have the child placed in your custody. There are times when situations are allowed to continue in a home because of lack of evidence or seriousness, and unless child protective services arrange for the child to be removed, you cannot force your adult children to surrender the child to you.

Your Options

Grandparent rights include being notified by government agencies if a child is being removed from a home, as well as being included in the decisions that are made concerning the welfare of the child. As a grandparent, you are able to seek custody, but this relationship doesn’t guarantee placement. If you have concerns about your ability to see your grandchildren or receive legal custody, contact an attorney who specialized in family law. This is the best way to navigate a complex set of circumstances.