| "bottom-link"> | | | | grandparents. That’s the problem with this |
| If you are raising your grandchildren you may have | | | | situation, you have some many people and |
| found a few problems.n What are your legal rights | | | | personalities to deal with and that can be a big |
| to those children, dealing with the parents and what | | | | problem. |
| about the other grandparents? | | | | What about the home life the child or children came |
| Your grandchildren are living in your home. Now | | | | out from? |
| what? Raising your grandchildren is not an easy | | | | Sometimes this can be a real problem. There can be |
| task and there are legal questions to be answered. | | | | abuse, drugs, alcohol, pornography and who knows |
| You are to be commended for taking on the task of | | | | what else. The society your grandchildren live in |
| raising a second family. I know you didn’t | | | | today is much different from the one in which you |
| ask for the job, but now it is yours. | | | | grew-up. |
| Have you checked with a lawyer? | | | | Here’s a few tips for overcoming these |
| You may not feel you need one, but if it comes | | | | problems. |
| down to you having legal custody of your | | | | 1. You really need a lawyer, even if you do |
| grandchildren you cannot afford to walk into court | | | | not plan to get legal custody of the children. You |
| unprepared. Grandparents do have some legal rights | | | | need to know your rights and things do change. |
| now, but nothing is set in stone. | | | | 2. Seek out financial advice. Proper financial |
| How are you doing financially? | | | | planning is crucial if you are short on cash. You may |
| Some of you may still be working and are able to | | | | want to investigate additional sources of income. If |
| absorb the extra expense of your new family. | | | | you have legal custody you may qualify for financial |
| While, some may already be on a fixed income, used | | | | aid. |
| to be called retirement, and may be struggling to | | | | 3. Check out various support groups. Some |
| make ends meet. | | | | online forums offer limited legal advice and you can |
| How’s your relationship with the parent of the | | | | find others in the same position as you and can be a |
| grandchild? | | | | big moral booster. |
| That parent is still your child. Sometimes they are | | | | 4. There are several good books available. |
| just in need of a little help until they can get life | | | | Check Amazon and others for suggestions. |
| together. Sometimes they have gotten themselves | | | | The information in the raising grandchildren is limited |
| into a mess and need some serious help. Help you | | | | right now, but I am sure that will change soon, as |
| may not be qualified to give. | | | | there are 4.5 million kids living with their grandparents |
| Are there other grandparents involved? | | | | in the United States. This is a huge market and I |
| You may desire to have your grandkids with you, | | | | am sure there will be more help soon. |
| but they may have been given to the other | | | | |