On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, June 3, 2020.
Becoming a grandparent is an exciting adventure. After raising one’s own children, it’s only natural to enjoy watching the next generation play and learn, and for many children, a visit to a grandparent’s house is a special treat. Grandparents try not to overstep, allowing their grown children to raise their own kids as they see fit, but if a parent can’t take adequate care of a child, a grandparent may consider filing for child custody.
Recently, a Missouri woman crashed her car. When police arrived, they administered a field sobriety test, and the young lady was not able to complete the test. She was taken to a hospital where it was determined that she was under the influence of drugs, including the prescription drug Xanax, which is tightly controlled due to the potential for abuse.
The woman had her young child in the car at the time of the crash. She was charged with driving while intoxicated, possession of drug paraphernalia and child endangerment. The child, likely frightened and confused, was released to the custody of a grandmother.
If a parent is neglecting a child or putting a child in danger, a grandparent might be willing and able to petition the court for child custody. A grandparent may feel conflicted at first, not wanting to upset the child’s parent by “taking” the child away. Grandparents can reach out to an understanding Missouri attorney, who can help explain the applicable child custody laws in Missouri and help the grandparent come up with a plan that is focused on keeping the best interest of the child at the forefront.
