Legal Custody

[mother of bpd daughter]

My daughter is struggling with risky behavior and I am worried she is going to accidentally hurt her self or someone else with her wreck less driving.  Has anyone tried Legal Guardianship successfully?  I feel a responsibility like I need to do something as she got a ticket for going 110 mph!

Our objective is to better understand the struggles our child faces and to learn the skills to improve our relationship and provide a supportive environment and also improve on our own emotional responses, attitudes and effectiveness as a family leaders

[livednlearned]

Have you thought about calling CPS, or having someone else call? When I was planning to divorce my N/BPDx husband, I told my lawyer about his alcohol abuse, and my concerns that he would drive drunk with our son in the car.

My L looked at me and said, "Call the police when he does that."

It never occurred to me to do that   because it feels so odd to involve law enforcement (or in your case CPS) when it's our own loved one.

We have to make difficult moral choices when our loved ones are dangerous to themselves and to others.

The Family Law board has grandparents posting on it from time to time with these kinds of questions. You may find some help posting there: https://bpdfamily.com/message_board/index.php?board=12.0

[meantcorn34]

Do you mean a grandchild or becoming guardian of your daughter? There is a legal process whereby a person may be declared incompetent and a guardian appointed. In my state, the information is on the Department of Human Services website.

[mother of bpd daughter]

I met with my therapist and I am going to go for Legal Guardianship of my 29 yr. old daughter to get her some much needed therapy and hopefully mood stabilizers.  We did a pro/con list and neither decision is easy!  I can't sit back and keep trying to talk her into get help anymore.  Yes, it a moral decision for me.  I am hoping she will have a better shot at life with this decision!

[mother of bpd daughter]

Her boyfriend had contacted me that he was so upset with the up and down emotions he felt like throwing up.  He asked me to go over to her apartment to talk with her.  My goal was to get her into Community Mental Health for an evaluation.  When I went over there and suggested we go together she went into a rage and screamed me not to leave as she knew I was going to call the cops.  I did call the cops but they said there was nothing they could do unless she told them directly she was going to harm herself or another person.  She was completely composed and very courteous.  I should have video taped her on my phone when she was raging as I feel the cops must think I am nuts.  There are no mental health beds avail at the hospitals in MI and people are having to go out of state for help!  Now I am on to Legal Guardianship before she accidentally hurts someone with wreck less behavior.  I do not know how successful this will be but at least I will feel I have done everything in my power to get her help and lead a better life!  Time will tell.  No one ever answered me if they have gotten Legal Guardianship and it worked out for the better.  Wish someone would let me either way... .for better or worse!  Thanks for listening

[meantcorn34]

I think that the reason people haven't replied with their stories about guardianship is because the thread is titled legal custody. That terminology generally is used regarding grand children. There's a lot of information on that topic.

I suggest you post a new thread entitled something like feedback on guardianship. I think you will get more useful responses.

[mother of bpd daughter]

Thank you so much for helping me try to find info. regarding guardianship.  Will do!