How to make sure that my ex never gets custody

[CrimsonSkyJDR]

I'll give you a brief idea of what is going on in my life. I'm a single parent with a 2 1/2 year old son. I was with the father when I got pregnant and soon after I relized that he wasn't an all together honest person. He tended to lie, steal (literally) and had some serious issues with alcohol and drugs. Once I relized just how messed up he was I left him but said we could raise our child together. Once that happened things got worse and eventually we were completely done (my son still hadn't been born). His friends would call me up trying to lure me over to there house with him there, but I never fell for it I just stayed away. He called a few times and made threats if he can't have me no one can, so I ignored them and move out of my parents house with my brother and we got a 3 bedroom apartment, so there would be room for my son. I did the whole forwarding address and all the bills (including apartment) were in my name. I never heard from him again and soon he was in jail (I like to keep an eye on people that threaten my childs or my own livlyhood). When my son was 3 months I moved back up north to where I was from but kept the apartment in Florida in my name for almost 7 more months I believe. Ok sorry about the long story. My problem now is if anything was to happen to me I don't want hime to stand any chance of getting my son. I want to ensure that my parents get full custody. I was originalyl told I would have to get him to sign away his rights to make this happen but now I'm being informed that there is no such thing except for in the case of adoption. Any information, direction or help you can give me would be greatly appreciated. And any further information you might need to help I am more than willing to give.

[aaron]

Depending upon state law, he may be able to surrender his parental rights. However, many states are reluctant to let even the worst parent sign away rights, unless (a) within the context of a child protection action where they are seeking to terminate the rights of only one parent, or (b) within the context of a step-parent adoption.

Some states, such as Michigan, permit a parent to commence an action to terminate the other parent's parental rights under limited circumstances, such as a prolonged period of abandonment. In Michigan, a court granting such an order is able to terminate the parent's right to parenting time or custody, but can maintain that parent's duty to pay child support. However, actions to secret the child from the other parent would defeat an abandonment claim.