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Question & Answer

We are discussing Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
With Deanne O'Keefe and Anne Clarke

Question:
I have been raising my 2 granddaughters for the past 3 years, with no financial support from their parents, who are working in fulltime positions. Am I entitled to claim for Child Support, and if so, how do I do this?

Answer:
Deanne - Depending on your personal circumstances, your application for child support may be accepted by the Child Support Agency. For further information please contact the Child Support Agency on 131 272 at the cost of local call (excluding mobile and public phones).

The Child Support Agency can assist you with the calculation of amount to be paid, without getting directly involved in the collection of the amount payable. They will also collect the payment if you so choose.

If you have a good relationship with the parents of these children, you may be able to negotiate a written agreement, and have the child support payments paid directly into your bank account, on a regular basis. You could also negotiate an automatic salary deduction payable to you via their employer or you may choose to be paid by money order, or cheque, but if you decide to be paid in cash, you would have to receipt this for the parents.

If your relationship with these parents is not amicable, it may be advisable to take out a Court Order, or have the payments collected by Child Support Agency. Payment of Child Support can also be made in kind i.e. you may come to an arrangement to have the parent supply food, clothing or household goods for the children. You may make an arrangement for payment of rent or mortgage, or free accommodation dependent upon circumstances. You may also wish to negotiate for health insurance premiums, medical/dental payments with private practitioners, school fees, tuition, sporting fees or child care expenses. It would be highly beneficial for you to seek legal advice on this matter.

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