my ex partner has died, can I get custody of my 12 year old?
Posted: Thu Jul 30, 2015 5:58 pm
I had a son with my ex partner in February 2003, I split up with the mother of the child when he was 14 months old. I never seen my son again. I have recently found out that the mother passed away 2 years ago and my son had been living with his step dad who had been abusing him. The maternal grandmother took my son into her care on the 16th March 2015. I went looking for my son after finding out his mother had passed away, only to find that he lived 3 miles away from me and that he was known as using his mothers maiden name instead of his given name on the birth certificate that I signed. I made contact with my son on Saturday and he had been told that I was dead. So in my sons eyes he was now an orphan! His maternal grandmother has told me that she is going for guardianship of my son which in turn would take away any parental rights that I may have, I have spent a bit of time with my son and he is eager to spend time with me too, stating that he would much prefer to live with me than his 65 year old grandmother who also has her own 89 year old mother in her care. My son does not have a proper bedroom in his grandmothers house and he sleeps on a camp bed in the living room. His grandmother drinks alcohol every evening, and I do not think that it is a suitable place for my son to be brought up. I have always wanted to be part of my sons life, however his mother put obstacles in my way, by way of threats from other men etc... As she is no longer here any more, I am the surviving parent, do I have the right legally to keep my son with me. I would encourage contact with his grandmother and extended family, however I would like to be the one that brings my son up how he should be brought up, in a loving home, with his father who can provide a stable home, love, care and guidance.
A VERY CONCERNED FATHER
A VERY CONCERNED FATHER