Almost 8 years ago, I was given full custody of 2 young girls. I received child support for the first 2 years from 1 of the parents, but not the other (the bio parents were divorced and ordered to pay separate child support amounts). The girls' dad just passed this last September and I was able to apply for survivor benefits for 1 of the girls, the other is now 19 and does not qualify.
What about the 5 and a half years I received nothing to help raise someone else's children? The girls' half brother, who had been molesting them (which is why I got custody of them) was named beneficiary on the father's life insurance policy and received that money. Now there are 2 homes being sold. I'm not expecting anything I am not entitled to, but shouldn't I at least be compensated for the years I raised these girls without financial support from either of there bio parents?
These past 8 years have been very hard emotionally. One of the girls has a rare bone disease and has had to undergo numerous surgeries, 9 to be exact and multiple doctors appointments. Without sounding greedy (I hope), am I not at least entitled to the child support I should have gotten and the debt I've now been put into to try and help this child live a somewhat normal life?
Please, Im not looking for negative responses, so if that's all you've got, please keep them to yourself, you have no idea of what I've gone through these past 8 years trying to heal the abuse these girls had suffered.
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You should seek council from a lawyer. You may be able to sue for the money from the sales of the home. This is hard to say and only a lawyer will be able to file the paperwork for you and give you the correct advise that you need to be paid back for the money you've spent over the years.
Though I'm not a lawyer I think you have grounds to receive benefits from the estate due to costs incurred in the upkeep of these poor children, especially considering the special medical costs.
As far as it being a moral issue, sure. You are entitled to feel entitled to receive some compensation for raising neglected children who are not yours. The important thing is that a judge or lawyer feels that way too so that you may receive compensation.
I do not believe anyone on this site would think you deserved any negative responses.
Your case is too complicated for anyone on this site to offer any suggestions other than to state that you will have to have legal help to receive any money for the time you did receive support.
If you cannot afford an attorney then you should contact the Family Services/Legal Aid office in your city. They will help you get free or low cost legal services.
This should be done quickly because once the money is allotted you may not be able to place a claim.
Do not worry about what paperwork you need as the attorney will explain what they have to have for your case.
Pro Bono attorney can help with your questions, etc. There are regular lawyers who also do Pro bono, a free service for going to court and working on your behalf. In our area, several lawyers do this when one cannot afford their services. They still do their legal representations as usual with pay, but will also oblige one who cannot pay.
You would have to contact a lawyer in your state, you have so many avenues to your life that only a professional can get to the bottom of it! Good Luck!
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