[Mariemelton]

I would like partial temporary custody of my grandson, when DSS came they just automatically gave the other grandfather temporary custody and my husband and I want to share in his life. I have called the social worker three times and she has yet to return my call. I need some advice on how to handle this situation.

Thank you,
Maria

[talaniman]

Have you tried talking to the other grandparent about being more in your grandsons life? That would be a more reasonable approach than courts, and social workers.

I have never heard of partial temporary custody and maybe you mean liberal visitation terms?

[Fr_Chuck]

There may be "joint" but you would have to hire an attorney and file in court, Or you can try to go to court and get custody away from the other grandparent.

Again, just talking to the other grandparent and asking for visits and time with the child, In you live in a state with grandparents rights (there are a few) you can also file in court for those.

[ScottGem]

I agree, before you do anything, talk to the other grandparents. See if they will allow you to visit with your grandson. If you can't work out a satisfactory arrangement then you need to get a copy of the order granting them temporary custody. There is no such thing as "partial temporary custody". What you want is to be able to visit with your grandchild, including overnights.

Usually, when DSS grants temporary custody in a case like this, then there is a review period. At a specific time, DSS will review the case and determine whether the custody should be changed. You need to find out when that review will be done.

You said you called the Social worker 3 times. Over how long a period? They are very busy and you need to give them some time. On the other hand if those three calls were made days apart, then I wouldn't call I would go to the office and ask to see the worker. And if she won't see you or isn't available ask for the supervisor.

Why was the child given to grandparents in the first place?

[Mariemelton]

I have talked to the grandfather he is not willing to share custody. The officer told me he would talk for me in court if it came to that because when the social worker handed him the child he said I finally have my son, which to me should have been a warning that something was not right. I guess I will go to the DSS office in the morning and talk to the director. I am giving the social worker till 5 pm today to return my phone calls. He should have never been taken away from his father my son's girlfriend started beating him with a bat because he wanted to lay down since he has been working 2 jobs 60 hrs a week and she won't get a job. He should have gotten his son back after he was checked out at the hospital. She ended up in jail for 30 days no bond and is still there.

[ScottGem]

Ok, So the child was taken because the GF was arrested and jailed for assaulting your son. Where was the child placed after the mother was sentenced? Was the child given to the maternal grandparents while your son was in the hospital and the mother in jail, or was your son out when that happened?

If the temporary custody was awarded while both were unable to care for the child, then the temporary order needs to be reviewed once one or both of the parents are able to care for the child. I'm not surprised that custody was awarded to the maternal grandparents initially.

Reading between the lines here, I'm guessing your son got his girlfriend pregnant, but is a standup guy and is working 2 jobs to support them. But the girl's father is probably still harboring ill will about your son getting his little girl pregnant. I'm also assuming that you have bonded with the grandchild. In that case, I can't see a court not awarding you some level of visitation, at least as long as the maternal grandparents have custody.

So your best bets here are to a) work towards your son getting custody and b) work towards you getting visitation. I would strongly suggest getting a lawyer, especially if the girl's father has one. But, at the least, talk to DSS and find out when a review is scheduled. Or force them to schedule one.