It is not uncommon for Maryland grandparents to seek full custody of their grandchildren if a parent is unable to fulfill his or her childcare responsibilities. These cases are not usually “cut and dry,” and they can take time to resolve — especially if the parent of the child is unwilling to relinquish his or her parental rights.
At the Law Office of Kevin L. Beard, P.A., we know that these cases are not easy, but sometimes the best interests of the child or children involved in the custody dispute need to take precedence over keeping all the adults happy. If a parent has fallen into drug abuse, for example, this represents a real danger to the children involved, and swift legal action will be required to ensure the child’s safety.
If that legal action involves stripping the biological parent of his or her parental responsibilities, and getting the child into the hands of a loving, sober, financially stable and morally responsible grandparent, then this is exactly what we will help you do.
Here are a few situations in which a grandparent may commonly be able to pursue child custody:
— The biological parent was placed in jail.
— The biological parent was proved to be suffering from alcohol or drug addiction.
— The parent was suffering from a mental health problem.
— The parent was abusing or neglecting the child.
— The biological parents died.
In all of the above situations, it’s possible that different grandparents — or other relatives — may be competing against one another in order to gain legal custody. When multiple parties want custody of the same child, the issue can become even more complicated to resolve.
Regardless what is happening in your grandchild custody matter, the Law Office of Kevin L. Beard, P.A., is here to help. We will listen to your story and advise you of your legal rights and options in a free, first-time consultation at our Catonsville, Maryland, offices.