do you know what would have happened if your daughter showed up to the hearings?

Diana, from what I know, the hearing would then turn into a true hearing. My husband and I went to our hearing with a two-inch think file of facts about his daughter. Dates she had stayed out all night, dates when she was high, etc. etc. We were fully prepared to present evidence that she was an unfit mother.

She didn't show up, but that could have been because she couldn't wait to get rid of the kids so she could party.

I suppose that's all you can do, and hope that the judge uses common sense in the decision.

guardianship basically gives you the right to sign them up for school, seek medical care, etc. The bio parent can challenge the guardianship at any time and demand the children back. Unless the children have been removed from the parent(s) and it sounds like you have an informal custody, the courts w/tend to side w/bio parent over the best interest of the child and grandparents rights, even if you have raised the child/children for years. Guardianship is a place for you to start but I w/pursue all options. We went for adoption to protect gs from crazy family of bio dad. We did then forfeit all help from state but it was worth it to give our gs the security he needed. Please note: NO state has Ever declared what makes a parent fit or unfit and that is why grandparents have such a hard time in court. Many a grandmother has been told by a judge to "sit down and shut up because you have no legal standing in this court". Check you state website, supreme court decisions and see how they have looked on grandparents raising grandchildren. This s/give you an idea of what you might face if bio's come into picture. The longer you have the children, the better, but we are still seeking legal standing for grandparents and the grandchildren.

If the bio is that controlling, I doubt she's agree to adoption. Even Pinky would never have given up all rights. Guardianship was the best we could do. Thank God Pinky's brain is so messed up from drugs, because I'm almost 100% sure she would get her kids back at this point if she realized it was possible. On the other hand, I think she really likes the idea of being able to play "Mommy" on weekends and have the rest of her week free to live the way she wants to. If she were serious about getting them back, all of her goals wouldn't be starting "next week." LOL

Grandma, great job on getting active on this! Are you aware there is going to be a Grand Rally in Washington DC on September 15? Generations United, AARP, and Grandfamilies of America are sponsoring. I am on the state rep committee. I w/send a friend request so I can send phone number. We s/talk. For everyone else, please continue to share. There are so many different scenarios as to why we get the gc and legal aspects are different for each as well as vary from state to state. Educating the public is paramount. That is why I wrote my book: Born Into Love, the unconditional love of grandparents raising grandchildren. The tide is changing and legislators are beginning to listen. As I always say: "I'll keep talking until somebody listens". I have advocating for over 10 years and some are finally listening. We need to join our voices. I w/be posting further info on Rally and information on calling in to your Senator if you cannot attend the rally. We need numbers in order to be heard.

check with your state...in Illinois guardianship can be taken away at any time...If the mother can show that she can take care of the kids for at least one day out of the year..you might want to look into joint custody or sole. That is what we have to do. Like I said so the research for your state..I thought guardianship was wonderful until I went through the court system and found out differently..I wish you luck

Guardianship is not permanent anywhere. if parent can prove they are capable they will get kids back. Courts are traditionally on side of bio parents. This is true in all states. Grandparents need to establish bond and prove that moving children w be detrimental to their well being.