In this Elder Law Minute, Kaye DeSelms Dent explains how grandparents can legally obtain guardianship to properly care for and make decisions for their grandchildren.
Hi, I’m Kaye DeSelms Dent with Dent Coulson Elder Law here with an Elder Law Minute for you. These videos are intended to educate you about the elder care journey which begins earlier in life than you might think. We hope that you find them useful and if you have further questions, please call us at Dent Coulson Elder Law.
Today we’re going to chat about grandparents raising grandchildren and why it’s important to consider the proper methods of obtaining guardianship over your minor grandchildren if you are going to be responsible for their rearing. There are different ways in Illinois that you can achieve guardianship and authority over a minor child’s person and estate, and it’s very important to deal with this through the proper legal documents, which can sometimes involve a guardianship, which is a court proceeding.
To register a child for school, you have to have proper authority. To handle that child’s public benefits, you have to have proper authority. So, if the child has any assets or income, you’re going to need to have proper documentation and authority for that. And it can be a little overwhelming. First of all, let’s face it, grandparents don’t generally expect that they’re going to be raising kids again. That’s supposed to be the fun job where you get to send them home at the end of the day.
But if your grandkids are not going home, if your home is their home and you’re responsible for them, again, it’s just a little daunting, and you’re going to have more paperwork than when you were raising your own children because the legal relationship is different. At Dent Coulson Elder Law, we’re here to help. We can guide you through your particular situation, help you obtain the proper authority, and explain to you how that works going forward until the child or children turn 18. Give us a call today at Dent Coulson Elder Law.
“Your Trusted Advisor on the Elder Care Journey”
Dent Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older.
If you have any questions, give us a call at Dent Coulson Elder Law. Thank you.
“Your Trusted Advisor on the Elder Care Journey”
Dent Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older.
Also looking for information about Medicaid and Asset Preservation? Visit these articles:
“Your Trusted Advisor on the Elder Care Journey”
Dent-Coulson Elder Law is dedicated to providing families in the St. Louis area with their Elder Law needs. Our practice areas include Asset Preservation Planning, Veterans Benefits, Medicaid Eligibility, Alzheimer’s Planning, Special Needs Planning, Estate Planning and more. We understand the financial challenges you may face as you and your loved ones grow older. At Dent-Coulson Elder Law, our clients’ well-being is our number one priority. For immediate help, call (618) 632-7000 (IL) or (314) 567-9292 (MO), or Contact Us and we will get in touch as soon as possible.
