Grandma needs help to retain custody

[ILGrandma]

I am a 41 year old, single, woman in Southern Illinois. In 2004, I was ordered custody of my now 6 year old grandson. My daughter lost custody. The "father" had never been part of the childs life, no marriage between he and my daughter. The State of Illinois recently ordered a DNA test to prove paternity. The test confirmed this man as the boy's father. The child has never had any contact with his father until just the last couple of months. I use the word "contact" as an adjective only. What I should say is, my grandson's father's wife initiates contact. I fear that rather than pay child support, which is about to be ordered by the courts, that the father and his wife will instead feel it in THEIR best interest financially to instead gain custody. My grandson, upon recently meeting and learning about his father, also learned he has a step-mother and 3 half siblings, with another one on the way. As stated, I am a single woman with limited resources financially. I need legal help/assistance/advice and do not know where to turn. I am to young for the Grandparents Advocacy Group to assist me. I should add that when I voluntarily allow my grandson to spend time with his dad and family, that it is RARE that the dad is even there. I have been very agreeable and cooperative and have allowed the step mom to have my grandson any time they call. I am in a serious dilemna and need advice. Are there any custodial grandparents ANYWHERE out there who can offer me suggestions or advice??? The area of S. IL where we live is very rural. I need to be prepared for what I expect is coming. I am the only person my grandson has known in his 6 years as stable and secure, the one he can count on. I cannot lose that safety net for his sake. Please help if you can!

 

[Shay-Pari'e]

Sure he could try, and no one could say for certainty what a judge will award. I can tell you that you are in a better position than he is, and custody has already been given to you. I really would not worry about, that is just my opinion.