You stepped in to provide love and support when your grandchild needed it most. Whether due to their parents’ absence, incapacity, or other life challenges, you’ve become their primary caregiver. While this wasn’t a role you expected to take on at this stage in your life, it has been a rewarding experience. Now, you might be considering making this arrangement permanent.
The benefits of adopting your grandchild
Kinship adoption, where an extended family member adopts a child, is generally favored in South Carolina family courts. The court always considers what is best for a child and recognizes the value of keeping them with family. The benefits of kinship adoption cannot be overlooked.
Regardless of the circumstances that have placed your grandchild in your care, it is likely that they have endured emotional trauma. Through this arrangement, the child retains familial ties and a sense of belongingness. Moreover, it may help lessen the impact of living apart from biological parents.
Adopting your grandchild may also offer them stability and a safe environment, which are crucial to their development. Studies suggest that children placed with relatives generally tend to fare better as adults. Experiencing fewer disruptions and having a loving home during such a difficult time may encourage healing.
Safeguarding your grandchild’s well-being
In South Carolina, there are fewer legal hurdles to adopt a relative, making the process faster than other forms of adoption. However, if you’ve already been caring for the grandchild, you may wonder if such a formality is even necessary.
Doing so will grant you the right to make critical decisions for your grandchild’s welfare, from medical care to educational needs, without needing approval from the biological parents. This can be particularly invaluable during emergencies. Adoption will also allow your grandchild to inherit from you or benefit from your insurance or social security.
While adopting a relative in South Carolina may be simpler, there are still requirements. If you are unsure where to start, a family law attorney can guide you through the process and help you in solidifying your loving relationship.
