Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
Grandmother needs help
My 1 yr. old granddaughter and my daughter (age 21) live with me. My daughter does not work. She still dates my granddaughter's father. He works 2 jobs but does not pay child support or provide health care coverage. He still lives with his mom and has had many run-ins with the law (i.e. drinking, driving, assault). My granddaughter's health coverage is paid by medical assistance. My daughter will not get a court order for child support (because she thinks it's such a terrible thing to do) so I am supporting granddaughter. Father even had nerve to claim her on his income taxes (but I am dealing with IRS re that). Why aren't there laws to allow grandparent to step in and force a court order for CS if grandparent is supporting child? If the court's are really concerned about child's ''best interests'' they should allow it. I am forced to do tough love and put them out (b/c I will not always be around) unless she get's court order. Then they will be the state's problem. I'm trying to prevent that. Can I force mediation or something along those lines. Please help. Also, daughter is not letting me see GD because of ultimatium.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Grandmother needs help
The following are extracts from the Maryland Department of Human Resources website of the Maryland Human Services Agency.
Below is information concerning CINA action. Child in Need of Assistance (CINA) � A CINA case involves a child who has
been physically, sexually or emotionally abused or neglected by a person
who is responsible for the child�s care. You may find this helpful. You may also consider contacting
you county office of the Office of Child Support and Enforcement (OCSE) and inquire as to what help they may provide. OCSE may not be able
to assist you directly but may point you in the right direction.
As an attorney, I pay fees that support the Maryland Legal Services Program (MLSP). Please contact them to see if they can be of assistance.
As part of its over all mission, the MLSP is dedicated to providing quality, cost effective legal representation in court
proceedings for "Children in Need of Assistance" (CINA) and "Termination of
Parental Rights" (TPR) cases.
Advocating for "Children in Need of Assistance"
The Maryland Juvenile Causes Act requires that a child have legal representation
in all court proceedings. This Act was a legislative mandate for MLSP�s services.
MLSP contracts with legal business firms to provide quality, cost effective
representation for CINA and TPR cases. Some CINA cases can result in life altering
decisions. The children involved in these cases need information, they need a voice
and often, they need someone to advocate for their best interests. This is what
MLSP does. We provide the needed voice and protect the legal rights of children
involved in CINA cases. CINA attorneys advocate for the wishes and best interests
of the child.
For more information, see website http://www.dhr.state.md.us/legal/index.htm. After looking over the site, go to the tab "Contractors".
Hope this helps.
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