Top 5 Legal Issues Facing Grandparents
By the time you're a grandparent, the hard work should be over. Your kids are (hopefully) grown and self-sufficient, and you're either enjoying retirement or looking forward to doing so.
But the life of a grandparents isn't entirely carefree -- there are still some legal issues that can arise and are particular to grandparents. Here are five of the most important:
1. Do Grandparents Get Holiday Visitation Rights?
The best part about being a grandparent? The grandchildren, of course. But if you and your grandchildren's parents aren't quite seeing eye to eye, do you have any legal right to visitation or custody of your grandchildren?
2. Can Grandparents Be Ordered to Pay Child Support?
Grandparents may want to be careful about what custody and visitation rights they do claim -- in some scenarios they may be on the hook for child support as well. Thirteen states have laws requiring grandparents to pay child support; do you live in one?
3. Beware the Grandparent Scam
Getting a call from your grandchild is great. Getting a call from a scam artist posing as your grandchild in danger and asking for financial help in order to steal money from you? No so great.
4. Tips for Leaving Assets to Grandchildren
It turns out there are state statutes, IRS provisions, and trusts that make it easy to leave money to your grandchildren and help fund their education, all while limiting your tax burden. Find out the best way to dote on them even after you're gone.
5. Do You Need a Living Will?
No one wants to dwell on dying -- not with all the living you have left to do. But having a plan in place, one of your own choosing, can ease your mind when it comes to making end-of-life decisions. And a living will is just one of the tools you have to make sure your wishes are honored.
Often, the best way to tackle legal issues is to have the best legal counsel. If you would like assistance with a legal issue you're facing, you can contact an experienced family or estate planning attorney near you.
Related Resources:
- Browse Family Law Lawyers by Location (FindLaw Directory)
- Browse Estate Planning Lawyers by Location (FindLaw Directory)
- Grandparent Visitation: 5 Tips for the Holidays (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
- What's the Difference? Living Will vs. Durable Power of Attorney (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
You Don’t Have To Solve This on Your Own – Get a Lawyer’s Help
Meeting with a lawyer can help you understand your options and how to best protect your rights. Visit our attorney directory to find a lawyer near you who can help.
