I’ve been looking into getting custody back from my parents, who currently have my kid. They’ve been caring for my child because of some issues I had, but now I’ve got things sorted out, and I want to try and get custody back. Has anyone here done that without going through the whole court process? I’d rather avoid it if possible, but IDK if that’s realistic. Any tips or advice?
I think it’s possible if you and your parents can work it out between yourselves. Mediation might help too, but if they’re not willing to give up custody, you might need to go to court.
NomadNerd said:
I think it’s possible if you and your parents can work it out between yourselves. Mediation might help too, but if they’re not willing to give up custody, you might need to go to court.
Yeah, I’m hoping to avoid court, but I’ll try mediation first if it comes to that. Thanks!
I’ve heard you can reverse guardianship through the court if things have changed on your end, like if you found a new home or got more stability.
Zora said:
I’ve heard you can reverse guardianship through the court if things have changed on your end, like if you found a new home or got more stability.
I did find a new place! That’s one of the main things I’m hoping will help. I guess I’ll have to bring that up if it goes to court.
Can you do it without a lawyer? I’m in a similar situation but don’t want to spend money on one if I don’t have to.
Briley said:
Can you do it without a lawyer? I’m in a similar situation but don’t want to spend money on one if I don’t have to.
Yeah, you don’t need a lawyer. Mediation can be done without one, and some people manage to get an agreement in place that way. But if things get messy, it might help to have one.
@NomadNerd
What’s mediation, btw?
Briley said:
@NomadNerd
What’s mediation, btw?
It’s where a neutral third person helps both sides talk things through and reach an agreement. It’s kinda like a referee for your discussions.
@NomadNerd
Got it, thanks. Sounds better than jumping straight to court.
I’ve been through something similar. If your parents won’t budge, you might have to go to court. But if they see you’ve really changed things (like your housing or job situation), it might help.
Sloan said:
I’ve been through something similar. If your parents won’t budge, you might have to go to court. But if they see you’ve really changed things (like your housing or job situation), it might help.
Yeah, I’m hoping they’ll see I’ve made some big changes. I’ll definitely talk to them before going the legal route.
Sometimes grandparents don’t want to give up custody because they’ve grown attached to the child. If that’s the case, you might need a lawyer to work through it.
Calliope said:
Sometimes grandparents don’t want to give up custody because they’ve grown attached to the child. If that’s the case, you might need a lawyer to work through it.
That’s something I’ve been worried about, honestly. They’ve had my kid for a while now, and I think they’re really attached. I just want what’s best for my child though, so I’ll try talking to them first.
@Jamie
Totally understandable. If you show them you’re ready and able, maybe they’ll be willing to work something out without making it a legal battle.