ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- The murder of a young mother and the arrest of her husband have prompted a custody battle over their children.

According to police, Melissa Lightsey was beaten to death and her body was dumped in the ocean off Vilano Beach. Her husband, Ben Lightsey, has been charged with murder and is being held in St. Johns County Jail without bond.

Ben Lightsey's parents, Glenn and Vivian Lightsey, currently have custody of their grandchildren but Melissa Lightsey's parents, Jim and Melinda Bryan, said they deserve the same treatment.

Now, lawyers for the two families are preparing to take their custody arguments before a judge on Friday.

"Right now, they want to see their kids," said Anne Marie Gennusa, the Bryans' attorney.

With their daughter dead and their son-in-law being held in jail, the Bryans said their focus has turned to their grandchildren -- 3-year-old Sonny Lee and Zane, who is almost 2.

Melissa Lightsey's mother said she has seen her grandchildren only twice since her daughter's death. She said that has been difficult for her.

Both sets of grandparents are expected to be in family court on Friday as a judge begins the process of deciding with whom the children should live.

"My client actually had very continuing contact with the children. She was very close with her daughter. In fact, she moved up here three years ago to live in St. Augustine because her daughter had moved up when she married Mr. Lightsey. So, there is a connection there. At a minimum, obviously, some contact because they're all grieving. It would be appropriate and nice to do," said Gennusa.

Another issue the Bryans' attorney said she would bring up in court is Ben Lightsey's decision to hand over the power of attorney to his mother and father on the day after his wife's body was discovered.

On Wednesday, after an initial custody hearing, the Lightseys would not comment, but one of their family's attorneys agreed it would be best if the grandchildren spend time with both sets of grandparents.

"I don't see why there's any problem with all grandparents seeing the children. I think that all can be worked out," said Ben Lightsey's attorney, Patrick Canan.

Channel 4's Dan Leveton will be in the courtroom for the custody hearing scheduled for 1:15 p.m. Friday.

This story will be updated throughout the afternoon, with complete reports on the local station beginning at 5 p.m.