What are custodial grandchildren?

Custodial grandparents, defined as those raising their grandchildren on a full-time, custodial basis, face unique challenges. The most obvious one is age. The demands of active toddlers or boisterous adolescents can be trying to the healthiest, most vigorous of parents.

Can a grandparent claim a child without permission?

Yes. As long as your grandmother meets the tests for claiming a your child as a dependent. Key information is that your child will not be a qualifying child because she does not live with your grandmother, however she can be a qualifying relative for tax purposes.

What are the challenges of being a custodial grandparent?

Custodial grandparents often find themselves caring for their own aging parents and struggling to maintain a relationship with their adult child while trying to care for one or more grandchildren (Smith et al., 1998). Many feel highly ambivalent about assuming a new relationship with their grandchild.

Are there grandparents who still take care of their grandchildren?

Significantly, 90% of the custodial grandparents in our convenience sample ( N = 101) report they would still take responsibility for their grandchildren if they had to make that choice again ( Hayslip & Shore, 2000 ).

How many grandchildren are being raised by grandparents?

Nearly 5.5 million, or 7.7 percent of all American children, are currently being parented by their grandparents (U.S. Census Bureau, 1999). Grandparents raising grandchildren represent all socioeconomic levels and ethnic groups (Smith, Dannison, & Vacha-Haase, 1998; Smith & Dannison, 2003).

What are the stresses of being a grandparent?

Among the stresses experienced by grandparent caregivers are those associated with the grandchild’s parent (see Wohl, Lahner, & Jooste, 2003 ).

Can a grandchild be in the custody of the grandparents?

With the IMDMA, the grandchild must not be “in the physical custody” of the parents in order for the grandparents to have the right to petition for custody. There must also be a “voluntary relinquishment” by both parents. This order would award “custody” which gives authority to grandparents for most decision-making.

Can a custodial account be used for a grandchild?

There are tax and financial aid implications to be aware of as well as the issue of control. Using a custodial account to teach kids about saving and investing can make it even more valuable. Each of our grandchildren has a 529 account, but in addition we’d like to provide more readily available cash.

Can a court award visitation rights to a grandparent?

A court may award a grandparent the same visitation rights as they would award a parent who does not have custodial rights to the child. This only applies if the grandparent’s child is deceased and the grandparent has provided child support to the grandchild.

Can a grandparent have visitation with a grandchild in Washington State?

As a result, grandparents cannot establish visitation with a grandchild in Washington state. However, grandparents may establish custody of a grandchild if the child is not in the custody of their parents or if the parents are deemed to be unfit.