Q: What are my rights as a live in companion for my elderly grandmother who I take care of out of love?
Gramma gets railroad retirement benefits, my husband gets social security, and I have no income, though I do bring food stamps into the household as part of the two thirds of the food we contribute. She maintains the house, ie a new roof, her car repairs, etc. The utility bills are in her name, though part of taking care of Gramma means that I actually PAY them. My husband pays for her phone and both of her TVs upstairs, we have our own in the finished basement. Household expenses are further shared by Gram paying 1/3 of the food bill, and 1/2 of other purchases towards the household, such as charcoal grills, new wash cloths, etc. Thank you for your time.
A: It is not really clear what your question is--your "rights" as to what? Generally, without some type of contract, you would have no rights to anything. If your grandmother were to die without a Will, and if she has no living children, however, you, along with any other grandchildren, would inherit her estate. However, your rights would be no greater than any other grandchild's.
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