LovingGrandma57
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Michigan
July 4th, 2008 I lost my beautiful daughter at the age of 31 after she suffered a long battle with cancer. I now have full custody of my Grandson Nathan, 10 years old since Aug. 2008. Nathan's transition was very easy because he lived with us, along with his mother through out his life. I was Jennifer's full time caregiver for 2 years prior to her passing and also cared for my grandson. Unable to work we suffered severe financial set backs and lost our home. In Jan. of this year my husband suffered a massive heart-attack and had to have a quadruple by-pass. Of course that situation also added to our financial ruin. On the bright side we now rent a large home, very reasonable payments and our able to live within our means.
Nathan's biological father has not been in his life for over 5 years, and prior to that had very little interaction with Nathan and never paid child-support.
Nathan receives social security benefits, approx. $400.00 per month. Nathan desperately wants us to adopt him and wants our last name. We of course want the same thing but rely on his benefits to help aid us financially with his basic needs. During my daughter's last days, I stayed with her at the hospital every moment. Unfortunately I had an accident in the hospital and fell which caused a moderate to severe back injury. I have disc protrutions in the C spine, T spine, and lumbar spine and at this time am unable to work outside the home. We are making ends meet without the second income but do rely heavily on Nathan's benefits for all of his needs. Soon he will need braces which our health insurance does not cover.
Under Michigan Law will I lose Nathan's social security benefits if we adopt him? The answer will determine whether we can officially adopt him. I have explained to Nathan at the age of 14 he can legally change his name.
I have called Nathan's Social Security worker but am still waiting on a response. Perhaps you can help me with the answer.
Respectfully,
Cindy Page
July 4th, 2008 I lost my beautiful daughter at the age of 31 after she suffered a long battle with cancer. I now have full custody of my Grandson Nathan, 10 years old since Aug. 2008. Nathan's transition was very easy because he lived with us, along with his mother through out his life. I was Jennifer's full time caregiver for 2 years prior to her passing and also cared for my grandson. Unable to work we suffered severe financial set backs and lost our home. In Jan. of this year my husband suffered a massive heart-attack and had to have a quadruple by-pass. Of course that situation also added to our financial ruin. On the bright side we now rent a large home, very reasonable payments and our able to live within our means.
Nathan's biological father has not been in his life for over 5 years, and prior to that had very little interaction with Nathan and never paid child-support.
Nathan receives social security benefits, approx. $400.00 per month. Nathan desperately wants us to adopt him and wants our last name. We of course want the same thing but rely on his benefits to help aid us financially with his basic needs. During my daughter's last days, I stayed with her at the hospital every moment. Unfortunately I had an accident in the hospital and fell which caused a moderate to severe back injury. I have disc protrutions in the C spine, T spine, and lumbar spine and at this time am unable to work outside the home. We are making ends meet without the second income but do rely heavily on Nathan's benefits for all of his needs. Soon he will need braces which our health insurance does not cover.
Under Michigan Law will I lose Nathan's social security benefits if we adopt him? The answer will determine whether we can officially adopt him. I have explained to Nathan at the age of 14 he can legally change his name.
I have called Nathan's Social Security worker but am still waiting on a response. Perhaps you can help me with the answer.
Respectfully,
Cindy Page
