Grandparent Caring for a Child Wants to Seek Custody

My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Oklahoma

My daughters mother & I were never married & our relationship had ended prior to my daughter being born. After not allowing me to see my daughter after she was born I hired a lawyer for visitation rights which were granted at standard visitation. Cut to 2 years ago my daughter mothet attempted several suicide attempts in front of my daughter & begin seeing a new boyfriend who is physically abusive. Mother became pregnant again & since giving birth hasn't cared about my daughter. A year ago my daughters mother left my daughter to her maternal grandmothers care. My daughter has now lived with grandma for over a year with mom barely having any contact. I want my daughter, my wife & I have 2 sons that are her brothers, she has a stable family life with us on our scheduled visitation days. We just can't afford an attorney. I've gotten along with grandma fairly well until recently. She now wants to pursue custody (legally) of my daughter & she doesn't want to stick to the visitation schedule I already have granted in place anymore. She wants to have the say in when I can have my daughter.

My question is basically is there anything I can do in this situation not being able to hire an attorney? I'm her father, she expresses she wants to be with us & like I stated, we're a stable family unit. She's 8 years old, should be moving on to 3rd grade this next school year but is being held back in 1st grade for the 2nd year due to missing so much school. It would be in her best interests to be with us, I truly feel.

I have messages stating how her mother isn't involved in her life anymore from grandma. Messages about how I pay my child support every week & even though my daughters mother hasn't spent dime in my daughter in well over a year she's still receiving it. I just want to better my daughters life. Help!

If you can't find the funds for an attorney, you're going to have to read up and learn everything there is to know on how to file your own motion and argue your own case.

Grandma either has custody by virtue of your permission, or she has a court order granting her custody. If she has the child by virtue of your permission, you can revoke your permission. If she has a court order or has filed a legal case, you should consult a lawyer.