! PLease, I need advice asap...

[khlandsman]

What is the name of your state?Kimberley Landsman and I live in Maine. The matter at hand is taking place in Texas.

My grandmother has just been taken in by the state (she has previously refused our help... it came to this, so to speak) and is in a mental facility. She is awaiting placement in a nursing home facility and is in the mid/late stages of damensia (sorry, I'm SURE that's spelled wrong).

My issue is this... My mother wants to bring her to Maine and care for her in her home. Or have her placed in a facilty here (paid for w/ personal funds). Here she has my mother, my sister, myself and my son and husband as well as some other relatives. There, she really has just her son and his wife. WHo are money hungry and careless. They live 100 miles from her and have no intention of visiting/caring for her. This has been going on for so long and I'm sad to say my mother has "dropped the ball" and is too upset to fight this. And I cannot let it happen.

Anyway, my uncles' wife apparently has filed for custody of OUR grandmother and (from what my mother says) has been given custody (I think... she may have JUST FILED...). My grandmother has a will but it only states what is to happen after her death. Here are my questions to you...

1. Can we appeal the placement? If YES, how? How do we do it from another state? How much does it cost to file an appeal and would we be traveling down there for a zillion court dates?
2. do we NEED a lawyer? If YES, do we need one there or can it be done from Maine? Is there any financial assistance available or discounted lawyers?
3. What will a appeal decision consist of? ie- what am I looking at regarding court, questions? etc.
4. Shared custody isn't an option. My uncle has a long history of drug abuse and alcohol abuse my aunt is of the same. We want to bring my grandmother to maine and care for her properly.

I totally appreciate any help you can give me. I'm feeling at a total loss.
-kimberley