Hi, I live in Houston, Texas and my husband and I have been raising our granddaughter since she was five months old. My son, her father was arrested and asked us to take care of her while he was incarcerated. He and the mother broke up and since the mother hasn't been in her life. She has stopped by from time to time promising to buy clothes, formula, etc. but then we wouldn't hear from her for months. The last time I spoke with her was on the baby's birthday in November. We haven't seen or heard from her. My son was released in January, but he apparently has returned to the lifestyle that got him in trouble to begin with. I don't know what to do as far as custody, or guardianship goes. My son does see her once a week, but usually 15 or 30 minutes. What are my rights as a grandparent and what should I do. Legally to ensure that the baby's life isn't disrupted?

At this point you might want to consider getting a lawyer and going through adoption if the parents are willing to sign off on the child. At this point you could be at their mercy and whim so you need to see a lawyer right away.