According to the Georgia Department of Human Services, almost a quarter of a million children in Georgia are primarily cared for by their grandparents. Grandparents often step in to take on childcare duties when biological parents pass away or lose custody. If you need to become the legal guardian of your grandchild in Georgia, you may need to consider something called “grandparents’ rights.” You can discuss this concept in more detail alongside a family law attorney in Georgia.
How Does Georgia Help Grandparents?
Georgia provides various services to grandparents who are trying to act in the best interests of their grandchildren. First of all, grandparents can ask Georgia to help them organize paternity tests. For example, you might believe that an individual is the biological father of the child in question. If this paternity has not yet been established, you can prove it with a DNA test. After this test, the father might be required to accept numerous responsibilities. They may agree to care for the child, and they might be required to provide you (the grandparent) with child support funds.
If the mother is currently receiving child support but is not caring for the child, grandparents can push to “redirect” these funds so they are spent properly. For example, the mother might be struggling with addiction, disability, or criminal charges. If the mother is no longer caring for the child due to these issues, they should not be receiving child support funds. If you (the grandparent) are now taking on 100% of childcare responsibilities, these child support funds should be redirected to you. As a result, you can spend the funds on things like food, clothing, and shelter for your grandchildren.
Project GRANDD
Launched in 2005, the Grandparents Raising and Nurturing Dependents with Disabilities is a resource that could help you with childcare needs. Also known simply as Project GRANDD, this initiative can provide education, support groups, training, and family case management. It is also free of charge.
Can You Gain Custody of a Child as a Grandparent?
It may be easier to gain custody of your grandchild than you realize. With help from an experienced family law attorney in Georgia, you may be able to establish that the biological parent or parents are “unfit.” Family law judges may be very sympathetic to your arguments, and they understand that, in many cases, grandparents are legitimately the best people to act as legal guardians for vulnerable children.
Find an Experienced Grandparents’ Rights Attorney in Georgia
If you have been searching for an experienced grandparents’ rights lawyer in Georgia, look no further than Lankford & Moore Law. We know how important it is for grandparents to gain custody of young ones in Georgia, and we can help you serve your grandchild’s best interests. Book your consultation today to discuss grandparent rights in more detail.
