At Mayer Law Office LLC, we understand that custodial battles in Wisconsin can be difficult. Often times, the media focuses on custodial battles between separated or divorced parents. However, there are many grandparents also struggling to ensure their grandkids are able to live a happy, healthy and normal life under their care.
If you are a grandparent in this position, you have probably often wondered whether or not the law is on your side. While courts may often favor biological parents when it comes to custodial rights, grandparents are often awarded temporary and even permanent care of children. According to USA.gov, this is called kinship care.
If you are steadily approaching retirement, or already retired, you may be wondering if there are any financial assistance programs in place. The good news is that if you have a legal arrangement in place that makes you the official guardian of the child, you may be eligible for financial assistance.
If you have not been awarded legal guardianship of your grandchild, but have taken on the role of a parent due to abuse or neglect, reporting the abuse may be necessary. Not only might this help to protect your grandchild from future abuse, but without it, you may not be able to establish your rights as a guardian. This not only takes away your eligibility for financial assistance, but may make it difficult for you to make decisions on behalf of the child, including decisions related to health care, education and overall safety.
Being a grandparent is one of the most rewarding “jobs” on the planet. However, if your grandchildren are not properly cared for, it can also become one of the most challenging. Thankfully, federal and state agencies have put laws in place that you may be able to take advantage of as a family member with a vested interest in the well-being of a child. For more information on family law, take a look at our webpage.
