In Re the Custody of Branch

BRITT, Judge.

Appellants contend that the court erred in awarding custody of the children to their father when he had filed no motion or petition and had not indicated that he was seeking custody. This contention is without merit.

Petitioner, the paternal grandmother of the Branch children, had standing to institute this action. “Any parent, relative, or other person, agency, organization or institution claiming the right to custody of a minor child may institute an action or proceeding for the custody of such child . . . . ” G.S. 50-13.1. Following the institution of an action or proceeding…