[nikkylee]

Let me start by saying I am 21 years old and my children are almost 3 and 4. The father and I signed the children over to the grandparents in October of 2006. It has been almost a year and I have moved to Grants Pass, they live in Vernonia. I feel like I am ready to have my kids now. Im afraid that the grandparents won't give them to me easily. So I am trying to find out how to get them back as civil as possible. The grandparents have filed for childsupport now. The father lives with the grandparents and I don't get consistent visitations because of how far apart we live. I don't know what to do. I scared of losing my children and I need help. I have talked to legal aid a little bit and so far they have had me check with the courts to make sure there were no custody papers filed that I was unaware of and the only thing there is, is guardianship papers. The father and I have agreed to joint cusotdy but he won't help me file because he dosen't feel like he is ready to have them yet. What should I do?

[tawnynkids]

Simply you need to call a lawyer. It is too complicated to give a simple answer here. You really need a lawyer to present your best foot forward in proving to the court that you are capable of raising these children. Fortunately the children haven't been adopted by the grandparents but it isn't going to be easy if the grandparents fight you on this. If you can't afford a lawyer, which many can't, I would continue to seek legal aid for their help, at least they know the laws of your state and can advise you of what needs to be done.