Delaware's Legal Handbook For Grandparents & Other Relatives Raising Children Available

A new publication drafted by the Community Legal Aid Society Inc. (CLASI) and funded by Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) provides legal information to help relative caregivers understand their legal options and concerns about the children they are raising.

Delaware's Legal Handbook for Grandparents & Other Relatives Raising Children covers a wide variety of topics including grandparent visitation, reporting child abuse and/or neglect, protection from abuse orders, third-party custody and the dependency/neglect process, guardianship, foster care, adoption, education and health care issues, special education, child support, the Family Court, and future planning.

The Handbook also includes copies of legal forms often needed by caregivers, such as  the Advance Health Care Directive, the Caregivers' Medical Authorization Affidavit, the Caregivers' School Authorization Affidavit (sample), the Dependency/Neglect Petition for Custody, as well as Petitions for Rule to Show Cause, for Support, for Order of Protection from Abuse, and for Visitation.

How to get a copy of the Legal Handbook

To download a copy of the Legal Handbook , please go to the Publications page of this web site. You can also obtain a copy by visiting a DSAAPD office, CLASI office, Family Court Self-Help Center, or State Service Center. For help in finding the location closest to you, please contact DSAAPD and our staff will be happy to assist you.

Delaware's Legal Handbook for Grandparents & Other Relatives Raising Children should not be considered legal advice. DSAAPD and CLASI intend this document as a beginning point and not legal counsel.