Grandma formed a maternal bond

My daughter got pregnant at age 15, had baby at age 16 all the while living with me.. And I supported her and my grandson these last 3 years. I was there during delivery, and everyday during his life, he is turning three. I could never get my daughter up to feed him at night nor to get up with him in the mornings. Trust me I tried. I have supported him financially, and emotionally. He would not fall asleep unless I rocked him at night, he cried if she tried, so she never tried. His bond with me far excedes what he has with her. She found every excuse to go to the store and be gone all day and many times all night.Other than when I was working, we were never apart, and I even quit so I could stay with him. My daughter has gotten worse and is now gotten into drugs and alcohol. She lies about it but its obvious, even her friends come to me about it. I have many times tried to back off, to let het build a stronger relationship with him, but she has never stepped up to bat. We end up fighting cause when she does take him with her somewhere, she keeps him out to late or like now takes him in new b/f's car, who always has a beer in his hand even when driving. We got in an arguement ..yet again, 2 weeks ago cause she was dissapearing for a night or two, leaving him with me, but coming home so messed up she slept for 24-25 hours. Here's the big problem, she met this new guy when we were fighting and took my grandson out and was gone 2 days, When she came home, my grandson clung to me refusing to just change and leave again, I told her to just leave him with me, but she litterally ripped him from me and didnt return till next day {alone} just to get clothes, said she was moving out. Did not take anything of his belongings with exception of maybe 3 outfits. When I told her she will hurt the boy cause he asks for me anytiime he is away from me, she said "Oh well he will get over it"
I am scared for my baby, I have done everything for him since birth and her and b/f are doing crystal meth, and people see her around but she never has my grandson with her.
I want to file for visitation rights, to start with, even if thats all I can do, it's a way to keep an eye on him. Do I have to have a lawyer, can I file a petition with the courts without one. I really cant afford one right now.

“Do I have to have a lawyer, can I file a petition with the courts without one. I really cant afford one right now.”

You’ll need to have documentation about them doing drugs. You might talk with child protective services, they may be able to help you. I think it would also be good for you to just talk with an attorney, so that you can find out what your options are.

From the Forum Administrator: You can get more information about protective services in the LegalMatch Law Library article State Child Protection.