First alittle background info:
My son's ex-girlfriend never told him he had a child until the boy was 3 yrs. old & then she gave my son all legal custody of him stating she couldn't care for him because she is bipolar & is depressed & tried to commit suicide. Judge signed papers for full custody to my son. (I still have the papers). My son had a living will done and appointed myself as legal guardian of my grandson if something would happen to him. My son was 36 when he died, just a few months ago & my grandson is 12 years old. I am 59 & in "ok" health.
Myself & my son & my grandson has lived together for the full 9 years since my son received custody. I took care of my grandson while my son worked. I started him in pre-school & raised him. He has very good grades. The mother has never been in my grandsons life for the passed 9 years--- no calls, no birthday or christmas cards, never asked for visits, nothing. She knew where we lived, but nothing.
Also, when she gave birth to my grandson she was married & they were raising my grandson together. (her husband knew at the time the baby wasn't his, but he took him as his own) Then they split up & her ex kept my grandson as she just up & left. She called my son & told my son about having a child & that she couldn't take care of him & asked if he would like to raise him. I believe she was treating my grandson as a pawn in her life.
Just about 2 weeks ago, she found out my son passed away. She states she wants to be in her son's life now. I have no problem with her visiting him. If she meets us 1/2 way or here where he lives with me. (she lives clear across the state) I just don't trust her yet.
My grandson says he'd like to visit her, but that's it. He says he wants to stay with me & still live with me.
I have filed for full custody of my grandson. I have a "orientation hearing" on the 21st this month. I sent her the papers (by certified mail) & she text me that she will never sign him over to me. What rights do I have since me & my son raised him & she wanted no part of her own son's life for 9 years?
I'm sorry this is so long & rather complicated. I"d like to know if there's any chance that I can continue to raise my grandson. I'd like to know what an "orientation meeting" is. Thank you for your time.
My son's ex-girlfriend never told him he had a child until the boy was 3 yrs. old & then she gave my son all legal custody of him stating she couldn't care for him because she is bipolar & is depressed & tried to commit suicide. Judge signed papers for full custody to my son. (I still have the papers). My son had a living will done and appointed myself as legal guardian of my grandson if something would happen to him. My son was 36 when he died, just a few months ago & my grandson is 12 years old. I am 59 & in "ok" health.
Myself & my son & my grandson has lived together for the full 9 years since my son received custody. I took care of my grandson while my son worked. I started him in pre-school & raised him. He has very good grades. The mother has never been in my grandsons life for the passed 9 years--- no calls, no birthday or christmas cards, never asked for visits, nothing. She knew where we lived, but nothing.
Also, when she gave birth to my grandson she was married & they were raising my grandson together. (her husband knew at the time the baby wasn't his, but he took him as his own) Then they split up & her ex kept my grandson as she just up & left. She called my son & told my son about having a child & that she couldn't take care of him & asked if he would like to raise him. I believe she was treating my grandson as a pawn in her life.
Just about 2 weeks ago, she found out my son passed away. She states she wants to be in her son's life now. I have no problem with her visiting him. If she meets us 1/2 way or here where he lives with me. (she lives clear across the state) I just don't trust her yet.
My grandson says he'd like to visit her, but that's it. He says he wants to stay with me & still live with me.
I have filed for full custody of my grandson. I have a "orientation hearing" on the 21st this month. I sent her the papers (by certified mail) & she text me that she will never sign him over to me. What rights do I have since me & my son raised him & she wanted no part of her own son's life for 9 years?
I'm sorry this is so long & rather complicated. I"d like to know if there's any chance that I can continue to raise my grandson. I'd like to know what an "orientation meeting" is. Thank you for your time.
