My question involves a child custody case from the State of: TN
Maternal grandparents had custody of granddaughter for 2 years-she is 3, due to unwed parents constant legal/instability. They have ordered visitation they fought for. Both parents are in jail currently but they filed a Power of Attorney with the Paternal grandmother. This grandmother didn't even see the child or check on her the entire time the Maternal grandparents had the child. The Maternal grandparents filed an emergency order for dependent/ neglect but the Power of Attorney given by the parents didn't make it an emergency situation. The police transferred the child back to Paternal grandmother.
They dismissed their custody suit "without prejudice" against the parents last year having spent out over $11,000 in attorney fees. Mom had made progress at that time also but has since relapsed again legally.
The Paternal grandmother had stolen property in her home by the son. Her 2 sons have been in legal troubles.
The Maternal Grandparents are the only stable home the granddaughter has. They have the best interest of the child at heart and the parents only gave their power of attorney to the other grandmother due to her readily accepting their criminal ways.
What can they file to get the child? Can they reopen their original custody suit? Due to both parent's incarceration, do they need to go after guardianship from the Paternal grandmother?
God bless.

