Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.

First, I want you to be aware of a recent law in Maryland, pertaining to grandparents:

Maryland's Grandparenting Time Statute Ruled Unconstitutional

On January 12, 2007, Maryland’s highest court considered a constitutional challenge of that State’s grandparent visitation statute. The Court ruled in favor of protecting parents against Intrusion by grandparents. Overruling 14-years of state judicial precedent, the court held that absent exceptional circumstances or parental unfitness, and detriment to the grandchildren, grandparents have no right to demand visitation with grandchildren when the parents are oppose contact.

 

So, first before you consider the natue of your legal involvement in raising your grandchild, you must get the father of the child to also agree in a notarized writing that you are going to be allowed to have this involvement with your grandchild.

After you have him sign this, then given the nature of how you would like to be involved in your grandchild's life, it appears that a legal guardianship would best serve your needs. With this, you could have the child on your insurance and help to provide for the child.

I would ultimately have a paralegal or a family law attorney assist you with the preparation of the letter to the father and the legal guardianship papers, so this is all done legally without future complications for you and your grandchild.

You can call your local state bar for the recommendation of an attorney who is knowlegeable in this area.

Best wishes,

AttorneyKaren