Grandparent laws

[babygirl34]

I have step-dad that i have decided to stop visitation of my kids for . he has a mate that is a known drug user and or domestic vilance charges and i do not want my kids in that invirnment. so this as started a fight and he has decided to tell me that he is getting a lawyer and taking my kids away from me. he is willing to tell or say whatever it takes to get them. does he have rights is it that easy for someone to just hire a lawyer and take kids away ? what should my next step be ?

 

[Proserpina]

Please don't worry.

Grandparent visitation rights in WA are virtually non-existent thanks to something called "Troxel" (which was decided in our fair state! - yes, I'm also in WA).

You have NO legal obligation to allow visitation. And if he thinks he can get custody, he has a HUGE battle on his hands because he'd have to prove - and I mean PROVE - that you're unfit.

(And here's the kicker - if you're unfit, he would have contacted DSHS, right? And been concerned about the kids' welfare? He hasn't done that? Then he's obviously not that concerned....and if he thinks the kids are at risk or being abused and hasn't done anything about it then he is, very simply, just as guilty!)


Please let us know if you're actually served with anything. But in the meantime - do NOT let yourself be bullied and don't give in!

Even if he asks for mediation - REFUSE!

Don't agree to ANYTHING you don't want to be legally enforceable...

 

[irish223]

And besides, he's the step-dad and step-grandfather. Don't worry and just ignore him.