[bobkat0408]

My son passed away in 2009, since then I have had his son 98% of the time and his one daughter A lot! Their mother has left to New York, called me to fly them back even. She never gives me any moneyand I have them for days and sometimes months before I hear from her. She is receiving food stamps and social security for them yet never has them. My grandson is 3 and calls this his home and is afraid to go with anyone in fear they won't bring him back, my granddaughter just won't leave with anyone. Can someone please help me custody or abandonment laws to help me legally in Florida Please!

[JudyKayTee]

You need to consult with an Attorney. If the children's mother is collecting SS for them and not using it to provide for their care she is committing fraud. She also is committing fraud if she claims them for food stamps and they are not living with her. Of course, if you report any of this behavior the down side is that she MIGHT try to re-claim the children which she can do legally.

You need to speak with an Attorney. I wish I could give you information which did not require that you sit down with an Attorney but I cannot.

Is the mother unfit? Could you prove she is unfit if you had to?

Abandonment laws do not apply because she left them in your good care. You can only get guardianship if she consents OR if you take her to Court, prove she is unfit, get a Court Order "awarding" the children to you.

Sounds like it could get nasty. I would see what free legal advice is available in your area. What part of Florida?