Gainesville, FL asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Public Benefits and Social Security for Florida

Q: I'm homeless and want to get my kids back from my mom how do I do that?

I gave my mother temporary guardianship so they wouldn't end up in the state. Now my mother is not properly taking care of them but I'm homeless and have been trying to get a job what can I do legally to get help and get my kids back in my custody I don't want my kids suffering or their futures suffering because I have made bad decisions

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: I hear how much you care about your children and want to improve their situation. This is clearly a difficult and emotional challenge you're facing, but there are resources and steps you can take to work toward regaining custody.

Your first priority should be to secure stable housing and employment, as these will be essential for regaining custody. Contact your local housing authority or organizations like Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, or local shelters that offer transitional housing programs - these often include job training and placement services. Local workforce development centers can help with job searches, resume writing, and interview preparation, while some nonprofit organizations even provide professional clothing for interviews.

The legal process to modify custody will require showing the court that you can provide a stable environment for your children. You have the right to free legal help through Legal Aid or your state's legal assistance programs - they can guide you through documenting any concerns about your children's care and filing the proper court paperwork. While working through this process, document all your efforts to improve your situation, maintain consistent communication with your children if possible, and consider asking the court to appoint someone to evaluate your mother's care and your progress toward stability. Remember that many parents have successfully navigated similar situations - take it one step at a time and don't hesitate to reach out to available support services.

Pamela J. Fero agrees with this answer

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