Grandparent Kinship Care and Adoption in Pennsylvania

Many grandparents in Pennsylvania step in to provide care for their grandchildren when parents are unable to do so. In these situations, legal protections such as kinship care or grandparent adoption can help ensure stability, security, and continuity for the child.

What is Kinship Care?

Kinship care occurs when a child lives with relatives — often grandparents — instead of their parents. Kinship caregivers may take on full-time care without formally adopting the child. Legal arrangements may include:

• Temporary or permanent custody
• Legal guardianship
• Access to public benefits and support services

Kinship care can provide children with a familiar, loving environment while maintaining important family connections.

Grandparent Adoption

In some cases, adoption may be the best way to ensure a child’s long-term security. Grandparent adoption legally transfers parental rights and responsibilities from the child’s biological parents to the grandparents. Benefits include:

• Full legal rights to make decisions for the child
• Eligibility for public and private benefits for the child
• Protection against future custody disputes

How We Can Help

Our family law attorneys at Tucker Arensberg understand the challenges and complexities of grandparent kinship care and adoption. We help grandparents:

• Petition for custody or legal guardianship
• Navigate the adoption process
• Obtain court orders that protect the child’s best interests
• Access resources and support for kinship caregivers

Compassionate, Experienced Legal Support

We know how difficult it can be to take on the responsibility of raising a grandchild. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance and practical legal solutions tailored to your family’s unique situation.

Contact Us

If you are a grandparent considering kinship care or adoption in Pennsylvania, we can help you navigate the legal process and ensure your grandchild’s safety and well-being. Contact us today.