When can a grandparent get guardianship of a child?
On One Hand: If the Parents Are UnfitA grandparent can get guardianship of a child if the parents are unfit in the eyes of the court. When you apply for guardianship, the court will initiate an investigation into the fitness of the parents. If the courts award you guardianship based on the investigation, the child will be in your custody until they are 18 or until the parents file for dissolution. According to the United Way, the courts may award the parents visitation rights.On the Other: Co-Guardianship or Standby GuardianshipGrandparents can also apply for co-guardianship if one parent is permanently absent. Courts will award co-guardianship upon an investigation. Grandparents can also apply for a standby guardianship, which lasts up to a year and is with the permission of the parents. Standby guardianship is in the case of the parent’s absence for military service, a jail sentence, admission into rehab or any other absence.Bottom LineGrandparents can get guardianship over their gra
