Live With Grandmother Legally

Summary

As a minor in California, you need parental permission to live with someone else. If you feel unsafe, contact Child Protective Services (CPS) at 1-800-344-6000. CPS can investigate claims of abuse or neglect. Your grandmother can file for guardianship in the county where you live. The process involves filing a petition, notifying parties, a home investigation, and a court hearing. If you have evidence of abuse or neglect, share it with CPS. Your safety and well-being are the priority.

Full Conversation

I was wondering so my grandma lives in merced california and i want to live with her and i was wondering if she can call the police and tell them that i don't want to go back to visalia would that be legal? Because i really don't want to go back
In California, as a minor (under *), you need parent or guardian's permission to live with someone else. It's important to:
- Communicate your situation with parents
- Consider legal guardianship by your grandma
- Consult a legal professional or child protective services for guidance.
Oh ok yeah because i don't want to go back i feel more comfortable and safe at my grandma's
I understand your situation. If you feel unsafe, it's crucial to inform an adult you trust. In California, Child Protective Services can help. You can call *-*-*-* for assistance. Remember, your safety is a priority.
Ok i will remember to my grandma has a friend at cps that she was talking to about this dhe said they have to do an investigation but only if he hurts me
That's correct. It's important for CPS to know if there's any harm or potential harm, which triggers their obligation to investigate. Remember, it's crucial to communicate your feelings and fears openly and honestly.
Can i text cps and ask questions or do i have to call?
In California, the Child Protective Services (CPS) typically communicate through phone calls or in-person meetings. However, this can vary by county. I recommend calling them at *-*-*-* for accurate information.
Oh ok thank you
You're welcome! If you have any more questions or if there's anything else you need, feel free to ask. Remember, your safety and well-being is always a priority.
What would happen if i didn't want to go back to my house with my dad while i visit my grandma and he calls the police on us?
In California, if your father calls the police:
- They may return you to your father as he has legal custody.
- If you express fear or danger at home, they may involve Child Protective Services.
- Your grandma may face legal consequences if she refuses to return you.
Your best option is to contact CPS or a legal professional.
Oh ok can i contact cps while I'm visiting my grandma?
Yes, you can contact Child Protective Services (CPS) from anywhere. Your location doesn't impact your ability to report a concern or seek help. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need assistance.
I'm not getting beaten or anything like that well not on a daily basis I'm just getting emotional abused and emotionally neglected and medically neglected
I'm sorry to hear you're going through this. Emotional and medical neglect are serious issues. In California, Child Protective Services (CPS) considers these as forms of child abuse. You can and should report this to CPS. Remember, your well-being is important.
Ok i will so what happens if i call cps while I'm visiting my grandma? Will the let me stay with her or will i have to go back to my dad?
If you call CPS while visiting your grandma:
- They'll investigate your claims.
- If they determine you're at risk, they may place you with a relative (like your grandma) or in a foster home.
- However, the final decision rests with the court.
Remember, your safety is paramount.
Ok thanks so if my grandma files for a petition for guardianship does it have to be the town i live in or can it be the city she lives in?
In California, your grandma can file for guardianship in the county where you currently live (Visalia). However, it's best to consult with a local legal professional for the most accurate information.
Oh ok so what would the process be?
The guardianship process in California typically involves the following steps:
- Filing a petition for guardianship
- Notifying the appropriate parties
- Home investigation and report by a court investigator
- Court hearing
- If approved, the court will issue Letters of Guardianship.
Remember, consult with a legal professional for specific guidance.
Ok thank you and how many days after filing everything will the court hearing take?
In California, a court hearing usually takes place within * to 45 days after filing the guardianship petition. However, it can vary based on the court's schedule and other factors. It's advisable to consult a legal professional for precise information.
What are the other factors?
Other factors that can influence the timing of the court hearing in California include:
- The complexity of the case
- Any objections or contesting parties
- The court's workload and availability
- Any necessary additional investigations by CPS or court.
So I've been told i have a complex case what does that exactly mean?
In legal terms, a "complex case" typically means that the case involves multiple facets or parties, intricate laws, or unique circumstances that could make the case longer to resolve. It can also imply that additional information or investigation is needed.
Oh ok because i want to leave asap I'm constantly walking on eggshells to not make people upset so i won't get yelled at or hit
I'm truly sorry to hear about your situation. If you're in immediate danger, call *. You can also talk to a teacher, counselor, or other trusted adult. Remember, it's important to ensure your safety and well-being. Your feelings are valid and you're not alone.
Thank you yeah my grandma's side of the family know about this they always tell me they'll help and that they are there for me
I'm glad to hear you have supportive family members. Keep communicating with them about your situation. Remember, reaching out to Child Protective Services or a trusted adult can help ensure your safety. Don't hesitate to contact them.
I wont yeah they are such loving and supportive people we all love each other and are always there for each other
I'm really glad to hear that you have such a supportive network around you. Don't hesitate to lean on them during this time and remember to reach out to Child Protective Services or another trusted adult if you ever feel unsafe.
What do you mean by feeling unsafe?
Feeling unsafe can mean different things to different people, but generally, it refers to feeling threatened or in danger. This could be due to physical violence, emotional abuse, neglect, or an unhealthy living environment. It's important to speak up if you're feeling this way.
So if my dad threatened to hit me i can call cps and tell them i was threatened and feel unsafe?
Yes, threats of physical violence are taken seriously. In California:
- You can report this to Child Protective Services (CPS).
- CPS may investigate and take necessary action.
- Remember, your safety is important. Don't hesitate to call * if you're in immediate danger.
I have text from my dad threatening to hit me they are about 4 years old though
I'm sorry you're going through this. In California, any evidence of threats, including texts, can potentially be used in an investigation. You should share this information with CPS when you report. Remember, safety is the main concern.
But they are old text i was thinking of saving them to show that he does threaten to hit me
Keeping evidence like old texts can be beneficial. In California:
- Old texts may be used as evidence of ongoing threats.
- It helps establish a pattern of behavior.
- Share them with CPS during your report.
Remember, your safety should always be your first priority.
So if i calm cps while I'm visiting my grandma and tell them why i don't want to go back they will start an investigation
Yes, if you call CPS from your grandma's and express your concerns and fears, they are obligated to start an investigation. They are there to ensure your safety and well-being. Don't hesitate to reach out to them.
I have have allegations and evidence of physical,emotional and financial abuse educational,emotional and medical neglect,inappropriate living arrangements and unsanitary living conditions against my dad and his parents
I'm sorry to hear you're experiencing this. In California:
- CPS will investigate all allegations.
- Evidence like texts, photos, or documents can help your case.
- They aim to ensure your safety.
Don't hesitate to share all this information when you report.
So how does a cps report work and what is the process?
The process of a CPS report in California generally follows these steps:
- Call to report your concerns; the hotline is available */*.
- CPS reviews the report and decides if they should investigate.
- If they decide to investigate, a caseworker visits the home.
- The caseworker assesses the situation and safety of the child.
- Based on their findings, they may take appropriate action.
- The court gets involved if removal or legal action is needed.
What would determine if removal or legal action is needed?
In California, CPS may consider removal or legal action if:
- There's a significant and immediate risk to the child's safety.
- The home environment is unsuitable or unsafe.
- The parent or guardian is unable, unwilling, or unfit to provide proper care.
- All other reasonable efforts to keep the child in the home have failed.
Do i need to have a cps report to file for guardianship?
In California:
- A CPS report is not necessary to file for guardianship.
- However, it can provide evidence about the child's welfare.
- It's advisable to consult a legal professional for specific guidance.
Remember, the child's well-being is the primary consideration.
What can prove a patent unfir to provide proper care?
In California, a parent can be deemed unfit to provide proper care if they:
- Neglect or abuse the child physically, emotionally, or sexually
- Fail to provide necessary medical or mental health treatment
- Have a history of violent behavior or substance abuse
- Don't provide a stable, safe living environment
- Neglect the child's educational needs.
Remember to consult a legal professional for guidance.
My dad used all the money from my social security checks i started getting them after my mom passed away i wasn't aware that i only had $* left my aunt calculated everything and i should've had $*,* in that account
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. In California, misusing Social Security funds can be considered abuse. Here's what you can do:
- Report this to Social Security Administration (*-*-*-*)
- Share this information with CPS during your report
- Consult with a legal professional for guidance
Remember, your well-being and financial security are important.
So i actually stopped getting those checks for awhile because they were over paying us but i still had quite a bit of money in there over $*,* and i only have $*
I'm sorry to hear that. In California:
- If you suspect misuse of your Social Security funds, report it to the Social Security Administration.
- This could be considered financial abuse, which is reportable to CPS.
- Consult a legal professional for further advice.
Your financial security matters.
What is repotable to cps?
In California, reportable issues to CPS include:
- Physical abuse or neglect
- Emotional abuse or neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Medical neglect
- Inadequate supervision
- Exposure to violent conditions
- Abandonment
- Exploitation, including financial
Your safety is the priority. If you're in a situation involving any of these, please contact CPS.
What is Inadequate supervision?
In California, inadequate supervision refers to situations where a child is left without appropriate adult supervision, leading to potential harm. This could involve leaving a child alone, or with someone unable to provide proper care. It's considered a form of neglect and is reportable to CPS.
My dad works a lot from 2am to about 2pm there are people here and there is food and drinks here to i usually stay in the room all day because i don't like talking to his family and there isn't much to do here
It sounds like you're left alone for extended periods. In California:
- If you feel neglected or unsafe, it's reportable to CPS.
- It's important to have a responsible adult who can attend to your needs.
- Remember, your well-being is critical. Don't hesitate to contact CPS or a trusted adult if you need help.
There are people here but they don't check on me i get that I'm * and old enough to take care of myself but still
I understand your concern. In California, even at *, you should have responsible adult supervision. If you feel ignored or neglected, it's reportable to CPS. Your feelings and well-being matter. Don't hesitate to reach out to CPS or a trusted adult.
Well so my dad's works from 2am to 2pm his mom works from 8am to 4pm and his sister works from 1am to 9am and his dad doesn't work they all live here but his sister stays in the room all day and his dad is outside or in his room most of the time my dad usually stays up for * hours then sleeps and i don't like talking to his mom so i feel like it's partly my fault for being unsupervised
I'm sorry you're feeling this way. Your feelings are valid. In California:
- It's the adults' responsibility to provide appropriate care and supervision.
- If you feel neglected, it's reportable to CPS.
- Remember, you're not alone. Reach out to CPS or a trusted adult. Your well-being is a priority.
Oh ok thank you so will cps come to my grandma house after i call because thats where I'm going to call from and where i have printed evidence or will they go to the house where me and my dad live
In California, when you report to CPS:
- They will typically visit the home where the alleged abuse or neglect is occurring.
- This would likely be your dad's house.
- However, they may also want to see any physical evidence you have, so visiting your grandma's house is possible.
- Each case is unique and handled based on its specifics.
So what would happen after i call cps and make the report?
After you report to CPS in California:
- They will review your report.
- If they determine it's necessary, they'll start an investigation.
- A caseworker may visit your home for assessment.
- Based on findings, they'll take appropriate action.
- They may involve the court if removal or legal action is needed.
Remember, your safety is paramount.
So my dad would use irrelevant stuff against me and my grandma in court
If your father brings up irrelevant information in court:
- The judge will focus on facts relevant to your welfare.
- Irrelevant claims usually have little impact.
- Legal representation can help address any false or irrelevant claims.
- Remember, court's priority is your well-being. It's crucial to have a legal professional's guidance.
What should i do if my dad hits me? What if he doesn't bruise me?
I'm really sorry to hear you're going through this. In California:
- Any form of physical abuse, including hitting, is illegal, even if it doesn't leave a bruise.
- You should immediately report this to CPS and the police.
- Documentation is important. Note the time, date, and details of the incident.
- Always prioritize your immediate safety. If you're in danger, call *.
Please remember, you're not alone. There are people and organizations that can and want to help.