Grandparents’ RightsAttorneys in Juvenile Court Serving Akron and Northeast Ohio
Serving Akron, Canton, Summit County, Portage and Medina, Ohio.
When a child’s home life becomes unstable or unsafe, it’s often grandparents who step in. Whether you’ve been a steady presence from day one or are stepping forward because your grandchild needs protection, the law recognizes that grandparents matter. But asserting your rights in Ohio juvenile court is not always easy. These cases are emotional and complex, and the legal system does not always treat extended family fairly.
At Hoover Kacyon, LLC, we help grandparents navigate the juvenile court process with purpose and compassion. If you’re seeking custody, visitation, or legal standing in a dependency, neglect, or abuse case, we are ready to advocate for your role and protect your connection with your grandchild.
How Grandparents Participatein Juvenile Court Cases
Juvenile court handles cases involving abuse, neglect, dependency, and the removal of children from their parents’ custody. When these cases begin, the court may look to family members as potential caregivers. Grandparents can also petition for visitation, custody, or legal companionship when the parents are unavailable, unfit, or struggling with substance use, incarceration, or mental health issues.
Ohio law gives grandparents standing to intervene in many juvenile court cases, especially when they have a significant relationship with the child or have provided care in the past. However, your rights are not automatic. You must follow specific court procedures, file motions on time, and sometimes respond to conflicting claims by children services, guardians ad litem, or other family members. We help you do all of that with confidence.
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What WeCan Do for You
Our goal is to help you step into your grandchild’s case with confidence and legal standing. We guide you through every step of the juvenile court process so your voice is heard and your relationship is protected. With strong filings, focused advocacy, and steady guidance, we support your place in your grandchild’s life.
Evaluate Your Standing and Legal Options
We begin by reviewing your relationship with your grandchild and identifying what rights you may assert under Ohio law. Whether you are seeking temporary custody, full legal custody, or visitation, we make sure your filings meet the court’s standards.
File Motions and Legal Documents
We prepare and file all necessary court motions, affidavits, and supporting evidence that demonstrate your role in the child’s life. This includes requests for custody, intervention, or visitation based on your past caregiving or current involvement.
Represent You in Hearings and Reviews
We appear on your behalf in court hearings, adjudication dates, and case plan reviews. If your position is being challenged, we advocate for your role and present facts that support the child’s best interest.
Coordinate with Agencies and Guardians
We help you work with children services, caseworkers, and guardians ad litem. We can also help you participate in case planning or negotiate your involvement when reunification is being considered for the child.
Protect Your Rights Without Judgment
Whether you’ve raised your grandchild for years or are stepping in now for the first time, we treat you with respect and focus on your dedication to the child. We guide you through every step without criticism or blame.
When toCall a Grandparents’ Rights Attorney
The case is open, now is the time to act. Delays can limit your future involvement. We help you assert your rights early and show you’re a stable resource before final decisions are made.Our attorneys are ready to step in, provide guidance, and protect your legal standing from day one.
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FrequentlyAsked Questions
Can I get custody of my grandchild through juvenile court?
Yes. If the court finds the parents unfit or the child dependent or neglected, you may be granted temporary or legal custody. We guide you through that process.
What is the difference between legal custody and guardianship?
Legal custody is granted through the juvenile court and gives you long-term parental authority. Guardianship often comes through probate court and may carry different obligations. We help determine which option fits your situation.
Do I need a lawyer to get visitation rights?
It is highly recommended. Juvenile courts require formal filings and strong arguments about your relationship and the child’s best interests. We prepare and present your case effectively.
What if the child is already placed in foster care?
You may still be eligible for placement or visitation. We help you petition the court and advocate for consideration as a kinship placement.
Can my rights be challenged by the child’s parents or other relatives?
Yes, especially if the case involves multiple parties or long-term planning. We protect your standing and respond to objections or competing claims with legal precision.
