literaryfusion
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Florida
I am hoping that someone has the patience to address this situation that has been stressing our entire family out day after day. Because we want the children to be happy and content.
Looking for the best options for a really bad situation. My parents live in Florida and my 27-year-old sister lives with them (along with her 6 and 8-year-old children). My parents take care of the children. My sister lies, has a bad drug problem, steals from the house, and was recently arrested for shoplifting. She is out on bond but supposedly charges were dropped and her court date will set her free. She is a very unfit mother and the kids miss school, the list goes on.
My parents want to kick her out but they need to make sure the children are in good hands. They want to get custody. The father does not have custody. He however, lives nearby. He is on social security/disability and has issues also. In fact, he works near his home doing plenty of well-paying odd jobs which is illegal. He pays no child support. Both parents are unfit and cannot offer solid parenting.
I have read that grandparents can get custody if they can prove the parents unfit. Of course a court will only look at solid evidence. Well, first of all my sister has been treated in a meth clinic (painkiller addiction). My parents have found her drugs. Not to mention a million other things including her "record". The little girl has awful rotten teeth from cavities so my sister and the kids' dad obviously don't take care of medical issues (no medical insurance either). And, my sister does not work.
Now, to make the issue more complex, my sister could bring up that my mom had a stroke and is on disability. However, my father has a solid job with a good company and full benefits. But my parents' income is not great. BUT my mother's mom is willing to chip in if need be. As am I and my younger brother. I am wondering how much income matters when grandparents are trying to get custody and if extra income coming in from family members would count.
Basically, would it be best to simply go talk to a lawyer? A good one? Or would it be better to talk with someone from, say, Department of Children and Families. Bottom line is that we dont want the kids taken by the state. They have already been through enough and they dont need traumatized further. My parents have and want to continue to provide a loving and safe home. What are the best steps to take? Is it correct to not evict (cant believe it BUT even if a person is not on a lease or paying rent in Florida) they have to be evicted through a formal process) my sister until the kids are with my parents? Or can my parents simply let Children and Families know that they will take the kids and then the kids will be placed with them?
Please help. Desperate and want to take the best steps!!!!!
I am hoping that someone has the patience to address this situation that has been stressing our entire family out day after day. Because we want the children to be happy and content.
Looking for the best options for a really bad situation. My parents live in Florida and my 27-year-old sister lives with them (along with her 6 and 8-year-old children). My parents take care of the children. My sister lies, has a bad drug problem, steals from the house, and was recently arrested for shoplifting. She is out on bond but supposedly charges were dropped and her court date will set her free. She is a very unfit mother and the kids miss school, the list goes on.
My parents want to kick her out but they need to make sure the children are in good hands. They want to get custody. The father does not have custody. He however, lives nearby. He is on social security/disability and has issues also. In fact, he works near his home doing plenty of well-paying odd jobs which is illegal. He pays no child support. Both parents are unfit and cannot offer solid parenting.
I have read that grandparents can get custody if they can prove the parents unfit. Of course a court will only look at solid evidence. Well, first of all my sister has been treated in a meth clinic (painkiller addiction). My parents have found her drugs. Not to mention a million other things including her "record". The little girl has awful rotten teeth from cavities so my sister and the kids' dad obviously don't take care of medical issues (no medical insurance either). And, my sister does not work.
Now, to make the issue more complex, my sister could bring up that my mom had a stroke and is on disability. However, my father has a solid job with a good company and full benefits. But my parents' income is not great. BUT my mother's mom is willing to chip in if need be. As am I and my younger brother. I am wondering how much income matters when grandparents are trying to get custody and if extra income coming in from family members would count.
Basically, would it be best to simply go talk to a lawyer? A good one? Or would it be better to talk with someone from, say, Department of Children and Families. Bottom line is that we dont want the kids taken by the state. They have already been through enough and they dont need traumatized further. My parents have and want to continue to provide a loving and safe home. What are the best steps to take? Is it correct to not evict (cant believe it BUT even if a person is not on a lease or paying rent in Florida) they have to be evicted through a formal process) my sister until the kids are with my parents? Or can my parents simply let Children and Families know that they will take the kids and then the kids will be placed with them?
Please help. Desperate and want to take the best steps!!!!!