I’m unmarried and have a 4-month-old with a guy who doesn’t support me much (physically, emotionally, or financially). He can see our son whenever he wants, but I won’t leave him alone with the baby. He’s not too upset about that since he works a lot. I’ve never asked for his money; he’s on the birth certificate, and I’ve never denied him being the father. I just quit my job because I have enough savings, I’m finishing school, and I want to take care of my baby instead of putting him in daycare. Baby daddy is mad that our son spends so much time with my parents and that I don’t make time for his parents. I read something about grandparents’ rights… do I legally have to allow visitation for his parents? Can they get court-ordered visitation? I don’t think he’d take me to court, but his parents might. They have no bad intentions; I just don’t have a relationship with the guy or his parents, so it feels weird.
First of all, child support is the child’s right. If you don’t want his money, consider putting it away for your son’s education or a house. Generally, I don’t think grandparent rights are a big deal most places. The more loving people in your child’s life, the better, so maybe invite them over for a playdate.
Unless he’s unfit, the father is entitled to at least every other weekend visitation. During that time, he can allow his parents access to the child. These formative years are crucial for deep bonds, so hopefully, the father realizes this too.
Please get a legal, formal agreement in place. Laws apply to these situations, and as the baby gets older, it will become more complex. If an injury occurs while at your ex’s, who has the legal right to approve medical care? Don’t be unprepared.
Get a lawyer now! You want the right of first refusal.
The grandparents can see the child when the father has custody because that’s his time. You can’t really prevent the dad from taking the child, especially since there’s no custody order in place.
It depends on the state. Grandparents’ rights aren’t easy to get. If the baby has never let them and they don’t have a relationship with the baby, they won’t be able to gain rights. He can see the baby whenever he wants; he doesn’t get a say about the grandparents if he’s not contributing.
Grandparents’ rights usually apply to those who have an established relationship with their grandchildren. If removing them would be against the child’s best interest, they might have a case, but that doesn’t seem to apply here.
Grandparents’ rights are more for when their child passes away and the other parent refuses contact. As long as the father is alive and involved, you don’t need to worry about that.
No, you don’t have to work out a schedule with him first. Let him throw a tantrum. Respond only to the well-being of the child. Focus on your baby and education. His parents can come visit when he’s there.
It’s his obligation to petition for custody if he wants a specific schedule. The court may look down on you if you restrict access to the child’s father, but it seems like you’re allowing him plenty of time.
Have you gone to court about custody and child support? That comes first. His parents are not your responsibility, but more people that love your child can be beneficial.
Grandparents’ rights typically arise when a parent dies, so it would be hard for them to get rights while the father is living. If something happened to you, they might have a chance since your child spends time with your parents.
Grandparents must have an established relationship with a child to try for grandparent rights. You can look into that yourself.
There are extenuating circumstances in which a grandparent may petition for custody or visitation, but it doesn’t look like the paternal grandparents meet those criteria. If they file something, hire an attorney to help fight it.