Army Judge,
My children and I are staying with her right now. We've got nowhere else to go! We plan on getting a place with our income taxes. We've been in a downward spiral for a few years, but are finally getting things back on track! The biggest obstacle was the fact that I had no drivers license due to a car wreck (long story) and we live in a rural area so there is no public transportation. It was almost impossible for me to have a job! And then my husband lost his job twice. Now he has a good job and I finally (after 8 very long years) have my license back! And a car! But this woman verbally abuses me in front of my children and I really think that they are taking their cues from her. She's got them thinking that I'm just not worth anything.
As I said, madam, being financially disadvantaged is not a crime.
Few people can say they have never struggled in their life.
The fact that you have a plan to make things better for you and your family indicates that you're trying to do what's right.
You live with this FEMALE, she's your SISTER, and she sends you a letter about this very sensitive topic; rather than sit down with you and talk about it.
However, to be fair, she is offering you some shelter, comforts, and care; so she isn't entirely evil.
I suspect she wants what is best for the kids, jusr as you do.
This is all just so sad.
Well, I'd say keep fixing the things you've identified that need improvement.
Follow your plan that you've created, work that plan.
Do whatever it takes to get all of you back together and under one roof.
I don't see any thing that you're doing that makes you or your hubby bad parents.
You appear to have been hit with lots of bad luck, just like millions of other, very hard working people.
I say just stay focused, keep working away at your goal, and get your own home.
If this goes to court, just tell the truth and let the judge know what you're doing to get into your home.
I also suggest you contact nearest The Salvation Army Chapter, the nearest Catholic Charities, and The Red Cross.
They can sometimes assist people in your situation with getting resettled.
The state social services agency can sometimes help in some states, especially when it comes to keeping families together.
The local school district in some states can offer limited advice and help in rare cases.
There is one potential ray of sunshine in all of this darkness, madam.
Contact the counselor of your oldest child (or any of your children) at his or her school.
Make an appointment to meet with that counselor.
Your children are technically homeless because you are temporarily residing with relatives.
The school will then classify as to be eligible for assistance because of your temporary situation.
There are several federal programs (as well as private programs) that the school can refer you to because of your difficulty.
Once you tell your story to the counselor, he or she will assist and your family in connecting proper agency to get resettled.
Also, see if there is a CIS (Community in Schools Program) in your school district.
This is their website, and you can see what help they offer to people that find themselves in your predicament.
My wife teaches in a public high school and has seen how CIS can assist families in your plight.
http://www.communitiesinschools.org/faq/
Try these ideas, and speak to these agencies.
Once you let them know about your problems, you might be surprised at how they respond.
This may be a stupid question, but I realized that guardianship is not actual custody, right? They're two different things? So if she were to be granted guardianship, would that mean that she could make my kids live with her? Because from what I read, guardianship is what you get when you have someone else's kids but need to be able to take them to the doctor or sign things for school and whatnot. Thanks again 