How can we get my granddaughter back from her father?

Custody and Visitation Forum
1

We’re trying to get my granddaughter back from her father and paternal grandparents. He lied to the court to get custody after my daughter had a stroke. There’s a court order granting my daughter visitation every other weekend and holidays, but he’s completely cut off all contact. To make matters worse, the police said they can’t intervene because there’s no law enforcement directive in the court order. We’re in Illinois, and he’s in Missouri. What can we do to enforce this and ensure her safety?

2

You might need to file a motion to enforce the visitation order. Courts take violations like this seriously.

3

GuardianshipGuides3 said:
You might need to file a motion to enforce the visitation order. Courts take violations like this seriously.

Is there a specific form I can use for that? Something I can print or do online?

4

@Dallas
Yes, there’s an interactive form on Illinois Legal Aid’s website. It’s called a Petition to Show Cause. Check it out here: Petition for rule to show cause - Family law cases Easy Form | Illinois Legal Aid Online

5

If the father isn’t complying, a contempt motion could help. Judges don’t usually tolerate ignoring court orders.

6

Ella said:
If the father isn’t complying, a contempt motion could help. Judges don’t usually tolerate ignoring court orders.

Will that motion include anything to let law enforcement get involved? The police here wouldn’t help.

7

@Dallas
You can request a pickup order as part of the motion. That should give the police authority to act.

8

Have you reported the abuse claims to the authorities? That’s something the court will want to see addressed.

9

Gael said:
Have you reported the abuse claims to the authorities? That’s something the court will want to see addressed.

We’ve reported it, but it feels like nothing is happening fast enough. What else can we do?

10

@Dallas
Maybe a lawyer could help escalate it. Filing that motion for enforcement would definitely speed things up.

11

Is there any chance the father would cooperate if you had a mediator or lawyer reach out?

12

dickie said:
Is there any chance the father would cooperate if you had a mediator or lawyer reach out?

Honestly, I doubt it. He’s been very uncooperative and seems to ignore the current court order.

13

@Dallas
In that case, legal action is probably the best route. Courts don’t like when people disregard their orders.

14

If this involves different states, you might need to deal with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

15

Washington said:
If this involves different states, you might need to deal with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA).

What’s the UCCJEA? I’ve heard of it but don’t know how it works.

16

@Dallas
It’s a law that helps deal with custody issues across state lines. A lawyer could guide you through it.