Q: How long does a parent have to prove they are fit to raise their child before they can gain custody of said child?
I live in Ohio. My child's mother and I were never married so she automatically had custody of our child who is 1. She is incarcerated for the next few months. Her mother was granted emergency custody of our child, after I was denied, probably because she was able to prove that I relapsed a few months ago. Although it's true, I've since turned my life around. I have been sober for three months, now have a good paying job, have been supporting my wife/stepchildren, and have started paying my child support. Since I'm now financially stable, paying my child support and have been staying clean I'd like to try to get custody of my child from his grandmother. I have court coming up from when I was denied emergency custody (they granted me a custody hearing) and am already under the the assumption that they probably won't give me custody right off rip, since they granted her emergency custody and not me. I'm hoping for at least overnight or weekend visitations because I live 2.5 hours away. I
A: There is no specific time limit. Every case is different. It is up to the court to determine all the facts of the situation and decide what is in the best interest of the child for custody, and whether a parent has demonstrated enough stable behavior and ability to care for the child.
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