As an update to this topic, my wife and I met with our attorney in Colorado, and since jurisdiction remains with Texas (the state in which the divorce was granted, and since the grandchildren's mother still resides there) there is nothing that can be done in Colorado. We subsequently traveled to Texas and met with an attorney in the county where the divorce took place. Sadly, although we could spend upwards of $10,000.00 to fight for custody in the Texas Court system, grandparents really have no rights or consideration in Texas (other than the typical grandparent's visitation rights).
It is truly a sad thing that both parents can walk away from their kids because being a parent isn't compatible with the carefree, partying lifestyle they want, leaving the grandparents (or other responsible family members) to be responsible for all of the needs of the children, and then be allowed to waltz back into the picture after all of the partying is done, expecting to resume the role of parent, regardless of how it will effect the children.
It seems like there needs to be some serious changes made to family law across the board.
Thank you to those that offered their input regarding this situation.
It is truly a sad thing that both parents can walk away from their kids because being a parent isn't compatible with the carefree, partying lifestyle they want, leaving the grandparents (or other responsible family members) to be responsible for all of the needs of the children, and then be allowed to waltz back into the picture after all of the partying is done, expecting to resume the role of parent, regardless of how it will effect the children.
It seems like there needs to be some serious changes made to family law across the board.
Thank you to those that offered their input regarding this situation.