Q: What type of lawyer do I need to help me obtain legal and financial benefits to help raise my granddaughter?
I have had legal and physical custody of my one year old granddaughter since she was 4 days old! The order of transfer of custody was granted in Knox County TN. But the child and I have always lived in Wilson County TN. My living arrangements will be changing in April; therefore, my financial support will be reduced and I need new housing. I know there are programs for financial assistance available to grandparents raising grandchildren but I need to find out which benefits I am eligible for given my assets and lack of funds. I also may need to relocate to another state and would like to know what process would be necessary. My daughter has been in and out of rehabs and jail since the birth of the child. And us in another rehab now. She used drugs throughout her pregnancy! She has come for visitation off and on. The father was in jail when the child was born and went straight to a halfway house from jail and he is still there. He has seen the child once.
A: Before you do anything, you need to contact your local Department of Children's Services case worker and explain your situation. You will need permission from the Court that gave you custody to move out of state. The best option is to retain a local experienced family law attorney for assistance.
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