i've had my 3 grandchildren living with my husband and i for 41/2 years they are my daughters children - she is a heroin addict and keeps threatening to take them back (when she needs benifit money) they are doing really well at school although they have had alot of problems in their past - i have been told it would cost us a lot of money to make everything legal but i don't want to drag them through court they are aged 6,8 and 11 years old
2007-01-04 08:35:31 · 9 answers · asked by emarston@btinternet.com 2 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
I would do it. My 2nd cousin became my and my sister's legal guardian when I was 5. At the time i didn't understand what was going on, but now that I am grown up I know that it was best for me and my sister. They'll understand when they are older. If you are going to do it, though, you should do it now. If you wait till they're older they may end up turning against you and defending thier mother.
2007-01-04 08:48:02 · answer #1 · answered by a_bai04 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOu are going to have to talk to a Family Attorney on this one .. and also try the Friends of the Court (or similar organization where you live). You have definitely had the children long enough to earn the right to keep the children as a LEGAL guardian.
Have you ASKED your daughter to FORMALLY sign a custody agreement where you have FULL custody of the children in any of these years? Will you try to do that? Will she sign the agreement? If she does VOLUNTARILY sign the agreement in the attorney's office .. then you have a quick solution to clear up your status with these children.
Right now, if the children have any problems .. you can't even take them to the doctors or really put them LEGALLY on your medical insurance policy, or authorize any treatment if something happens. YOU need to get that FORMAL documentation done immediately -- and yes, if your daughter won't sign over custody of the children ... then DO provide proof of her Substance Abuse and the abandonment of the children (which means you will have to go through Children and Family Services).
2007-01-04 09:09:54 · answer #2 · answered by sglmom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to go to family court get social services involved they can place and order of temporary guardian ship with you. then the court will decide and then it shouldnt cost you anything most family courts will not allow children under 16 in the court room so they wont have to be there. Also they may say you can have the kids till she completes a drug rehab but since they have been in your custody and they are your blood relation you cant ask for visitation if that does happen. Good luck i hope it works for you. Call your local Child services and have them help you they like when ppl are willing to care for the children when parents are unfit!
2007-01-04 08:41:58 · answer #3 · answered by me 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's imperative you get good legal advice if you want to resolve this with any certainty. The Court Welfare Officer/Social Services will need to do a lengthy assessment and talk to the children. They are fortunate you have given them the love and stability they deserve. The Citizens Advice Bureau can advise about legal aid. Good luck.
2007-01-04 08:40:54 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Might be worth speaking to the citizen advise bereau.At the very least they may be able to reccoment a solicitor
Might be worth a read of
taken from a previous question
http://www.everychildmatters.gov.uk/socialcare/lookedafterchildren/familyandfriendscarers/legal/
2007-01-04 08:40:45 · answer #5 · answered by beckett 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to hire a lawyer; or at the very least talk to family services. These things vary by state so you need to hire someone local. Good luck.
2007-01-04 08:42:09 · answer #6 · answered by maigen_obx 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Without the consent of who has parental responsibility, you will need to go to court.
2007-01-04 08:38:13 · answer #7 · answered by Danru 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
call children services. they can help you with all the details. you have had them long enough to get them b/c they have been abandoned. its great what you 2 have done for those kids! i wish you the best. :)
2007-01-04 08:48:16 · answer #8 · answered by rblankenship_rblankenship 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
unfortunatly, that's about the only option is to get a lawyer and fight. Unless you can trick her into signing costody papers, or she goes to jail.
2007-01-04 08:39:16 · answer #9 · answered by purpledragonflyjrh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋