[nmrivard]

I'm thinking about seeking custody of my 5 year old grandson. He and his mother (my daughter) have lived with me for over 2 years. Neither she nor her estranged husband are working. I fully support my grandson providing shelter, clothing, food, school related expenses, medications & flu shots, etc. His father does not seem to have much time for his son and contributes very little towards his support. My grandson is seldom allowed outdoors to play and must play quietly so his mother isn't disturbed while either sleeping or watching television. If she is angry with him, she is usually verbally abusive, swearing at him and calling him names. She has, in the past, placed a hand over his mouth putting her full weight on it. She often threatens to punch him in the face. My grandson has started to act in a similar fashion often screaming and lashing out. I try tell my daughter that she should be setting an example in how she'd like him to act but she tells me that if I interfere, she will take her son and move out. She has recently started to go out at night, sometimes not returning until 3 or for a.m. Because I rise at 5a.m. (I'm a full time RN) my adult son minds him while his mother is out. This worries me as she then expects my grandson to be quiet for most of the day while she sleeps. I want to provide a safe environment and happy home for my grandson. I would also like to cover him on my health and dental insurance as he has none at the moment. His parents simply won't apply for what he may be entitled to. I do know his father is using drugs and have proof that my daughter smokes marijuana (and has used in my home.) How do I go about this process? Where do I begin? What are my chances of success? My grandson has told me that he does not like his mother as much as he used to. I'm at my wits end.

[ScottGem]

You hire a lawyer and file for custody. But unless you can prove the mother totally unfit, I doubt if you will get custody.

BTW a 5 yr old saying that he doesn't like mommy as much as he used is immaterial. No court is going to give that any consideration.