Information & Resources Available to Grandparents with Custody of Grandchildren

There are many sites listing resources available for grandfamilies and grandparents having custody of children. One of the most comprehensive lists is included in the Generations United website. It lists national organizations and resources that might be of benefit.

Here is a list of Ohio programs that might be of assistance:

  • The Kinship Navigator Program is available in several counties in Ohio through county and community-based organizations. Navigators are available to provide information and referrals for other programs in the community for grandparents and other relatives. Service links may include health supports, educational services, financial resources, child care, legal services, support groups, and respite care. In some cases, the programs sponsor activities and specialized services for caregivers and children. To see if there is a program in your county, contact your local Department of Job and Family Services or call Kristen Burgess, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, at (614) 752-1329 or burgek01@odjfs.state.oh.us.
  • The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has published a statewide resource guide for kinship families, Relatives Caring for Children: Ohio Resource Guide. Information is provided about the availability of programs for kinship providers through local agencies. Contact: Help Desk, Office of Children
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Financial Resources Available for Grandparents with Custody of Their Grandchildren

Raising children takes a lot of money. There is some goods news. Many people are not aware that there are “public benefits” programs available which could help many grandfamilies pay for food and electricity or other monthly expenses including health insurance. The AARP Foundation has established an outreach program and has a new online tool called “BenefitsQuickLINK” and this tool can help adults who are over 50 years old find out if they or the children in their care qualify for any of the 15 benefits included in the tool.

To read the article about the work that AARP is doing and more details on these benefits, go to: Help for Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

 

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Domestic violence and some relevant statistics. What do they tell us?

Domestic Violence is defined as a pattern of behavior utilized to establish power and control over another person. It typically involves an escalating pattern of abuse where one party in an intimate relationship controls the other through intimidation, threats of violence or actual violence. The abusers frequently manage to virtually “brainwash” the victim into believing that it was his/her fault and the abuse or beating was deserved. According to the National Violence Against Women Survey, nearly twenty-five percent (25%) of American women report being raped and/or physically assaulted by a current or former spouse, co-habitating partner, or a date at some time in their lives. Forty percent (40%) of adult Americans say they know a woman who has been physically abused in the past year by a male. In 2006, Ohio Law Enforcement Agencies responded to 71,946 domestic dispute calls (Ohio Attorney General’s Criminal Indemnification 2006 Statistics). Of those calls to the police, 34,021 were categorized as domestic violence incidents. Ohio’s statistics for the year of 2006, show that sixty-five percent (65%) of the alleged offenders were Caucasian; seventy-seven percent (77%) were men; and sixty-seven percent (67%) of the offenders were between the ages of 18 and 40. Sixty … Read More... “Domestic violence and some relevant statistics. What do they tell us?”

Avoid Headache, Safeguard Your Assets

Jeffrey Lalloway, publisher of the California Divorce and Family Law Blog, wrote this excellent article. I couldn’t agree more with his suggestions!

Lessen impact of divorce on credit

Avoid HeadacheIf you’re planning to file for divorce this year or are already splitting your assets with your soon-to-be ex-spouse, your credit is likely to take a hit.

Many people don’t realize that lenders do not honor court decrees that assign payment responsibilities for joint loans. The mistaken assumption that you’re off the hook for financial obligations can result in a series of missed payments that may trash your credit score for years.

This needn’t happen if you safeguard your credit before you file for divorce. Consider these tips from John Ulzheimer, author of “You’re Nothing but a Number” and an expert at Credit.com, a consumer personal finance site.

If you have joint accounts with your spouse, do your best to turn them into individual accounts so that it will be easier for the divorce court to split up your financial responsibilities. To do that you will need your spouse’s permission, which means you’re going to have to let the cat out of the bag. But taking these steps now can save … Read More... “Avoid Headache, Safeguard Your Assets”

Penalty in Cincinnati for Bigamy

I learned of this Ohio bigamy case on Janet Langjahr’s excellent Florida Divorce Law Blog.

Ohio man is convicted of bigamy.
Man is sentenced to probation – and ordered to get a divorce from one of his three wives within six months.
Man fails to get divorce.
Man is arrested for probation violation.
Man is confined to house arrest.
Man is again ordered to get divorce.
Man faces jail time for probation violation and, presumably, original offense. But the judge doesn’t want to put Man in jail. The judge just wants Man to get a divorce from one of his wives.
However, that still appears to leave Man with one wife too many …

Read more in this Cincinnati Enquirer article: “Bigamist gets time to divorce a wife.”

Source: “OH: Penalty for Bigamy? Get a Divorce Already”, published by Janet Langjahr at her Florida Divorce Law Blog on January 6, 2008.

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How to Select a Divorce Lawyer Pt. 2

In Part 2 of “How to Select a Divorce Lawyer” attorney Robert Mues continues his key considerations in selecting the “right” divorce lawyer:

The “Hot Potato Shuffle”

Some family law firms shuffle clients between lawyers in the firm like they are “hot potatoes.” Clarify at the start of the representation the firm’s policy on the subject. While this type of treatment may work on a personal injury, criminal or insurance defense matter, it rarely results in high client satisfaction at the conclusion of a divorce case.

Guaranteed Results

The objective in hiring your divorce lawyer should be to find excellent representation not specific results. Be leery of any attorney who makes broad guarantees at an initial conference. There are many shades of gray in family law litigation. The ultimate results in any divorce case are impacted by the facts and oftentimes which judge is assigned the case. Therefore, it is usually premature to make definitive representations at an initial conference. Watch out for the “bait and switch” tactics!

How Much Will the Divorce Cost?

This is one of the toughest questions a family law attorney is ever asked! The unknown variables make it truly impossible to predict with any true … Read More... “How to Select a Divorce Lawyer Pt. 2”

How to Select a Divorce Lawyer – Six Keys to Finding the Right Attorney for a Divorce

man browsing books to find the right divorce attorneyFinding the right attorney for a divorce is an extremely important and personal decision. Take the time to properly pick your attorney. The outcome of your family law case will impact your future dramatically!  Here are six keys to finding the right representation:

Experience

Most attorneys these days have narrowed their practice to one or a few areas of the law. Divorce law is a very specialized field therefore it is important to find a lawyer that concentrates his or her practice in the particular area of law that you need – whether it’s divorce, child custody, domestic violence or another family law category. An experienced divorce lawyer will understand the philosophies and tendencies of the judges in the various jurisdictions. That knowledge is extremely valuable and should be used to your benefit.

Past Client References

An extremely valuable way to gain insight about a particular attorney is to find out what former clients say about the lawyer. Ask family, friends, church members or co-workers if they know of a good family law attorney. Also, most lawyers can give you references of former clients who have agreed to serve as a reference for the lawyer.

Professionalism, Reputation and Integrity

Some … Read More... “How to Select a Divorce Lawyer – Six Keys to Finding the Right Attorney for a Divorce”

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