[The Big Dog]

Do Georgia and Virginia have laws stipulating Grandparent Custodial Rights where there appears to be abuse or negligence concerning the grandchildren? If so, how do I go about finding details of what process is involved? I am the father of the grandchildren's father and live in Georgia; the mother of the grandchildren's mother lives in Virginia. We are investigating having the 2 granddaughters removed from the custody of their parents since there appears to be abuse or negligence.

[vlee]

All I can suggest is calling a family law attorney. You are in for an expensive proceeding, so be prepared. You have to prove negligence to assume custody, which has nothing to do with grandparent's rights. Grandparent's rights are the rights to have visitation with the children, not custody of them. Basically you will have to file for full custody of the kids based on abuse or negligence and make a case in court before a judge. (Unless there is a chance the children's parents will sign away custody to you willingly.) Good luck.

[Fr_Chuck]

Yes, as vlee mentioned this has nothing to do with Grandparents rights, that is merely their right to visit, and is very limited. What you are going for is custody issues, where boh parents are no fit to keep or raise their kids.

You may will want to get Children and Family services invovled if you are worried about the safety of the children they can take the children out of the home on an emergany basis if they are truly in danger.

But you will need a VA attorney since all court actions will be done there, and expect it to get costly.