Charlie, a retired Air Force veteran, contacted Legal Aid for help obtaining legal guardianship of his granddaughter Brooke. Brooke and her mother (Charlie’s daughter) had lived with Charlie since Brooke was an infant. After ten happy, stable years, Charlie’s daughter was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Charlie took over the care of Brooke and continued caring for her after his daughter died. This informal arrangement worked well until Charlie tried registering Brooke for middle school. He discovered that only a biological parent, or someone with legal custody, can complete school enrollment on behalf of a child.
After Charlie’s Legal Aid attorney filed all the necessary guardianship documents, they learned the motion was opposed by Brooke’s father, who had moved to Florida shortly after Brooke was born. Brooke’s father had never spent time with her, even during her mother’s illness, nor had he provided financial support for her needs growing up.
Charlie’s attorney prepared evidence for a contested hearing. The judge considered both sides and ultimately granted Charlie’s petition for permanent guardianship.
As a result of Legal Aid’s representation, Brooke’s life with her grandfather will not be disrupted. She can look forward to reaching her full potential in middle school and beyond.
Charlie and Brooke were lucky. They got the legal help they needed. Your donation will help another family…a family just like Charlie and Brooke.
