Grandparents' Rights: - Today, many children are being raised by their grandparents. - If you are such a grandparent, you can obtain guardianship or custody and protect your grandchildren. - The courts will fight you, and you will need an attorney who understands the unique constitutional and statutory issues of these cases to win the custody or visitation necessary for your grandchildren's well-being. Virtual Parents (in loco parentis): - Today, many children are being raised by grandparents and other family members, or even non family members. - If you have acted like a parent, you have acquired the rights of a parent! - Again, unfortunately, the courts do not understand guardianship or custody by non-parents very well. - I know this area of law! Child Protection Cases: - The Department of Health & Welfare can have absolute power over the custody and visitation of your children or grandchildren if you let it initiate a Child Protection Act case.  Act to protect the children and your relationship with them.  The Department may not do so. - Be careful! If the parents are into drugs or other criminal behavior and are hurting your grandchildren, nieces, etc., take control of their custody, visitation, and well-being in court.