Legal Issues

There are several legal options availible to grandparents and other relatives rasing childen. Each of these legal options have different characteristics. Each option should be reviewed and discussed with a qualified attorney to determine which option will be best for both the child and the grandparent.

• Legal Custody
  
  
• Legal Guardianship
  
  
• Adoption
  
  
• Power of Attorney
  
  
• Kinship Care / Relative Foster Care

Questions to Ask:

• Does the grandparent plan on caring permanently for the child?
  
  
• Will the grandparent be able to care for the child permanently?
  
  
• What is the relationship between the grandparent and the child?
  
  
• What are the concerns that the parents will come back unexpectedly and want the child returned to them?