Urgent Legal Needs for Guardianship of Henry

On Tuesday this week, my 44yr old sister, Henry’s mother, died suddenly and unexpectedly from cardiac arrest. This has devestated our family, as my older sister died unexpectedly just 8 years ago at age 42. Now I find myself, once a middle child, as an only child, with the tremendous gift and responsibility of caring for a broken little five year old boy. Today my mother and I went to his school to talk to the principal, because she sadly did have a will, but it was never signed or notarized - leaving us in a very precarious situation. We spoke to the principal of Henry’s elementary today, and legally they can not have him back until I am officially his guardian. Until I have guardianship, I do not have the ability to give consent for medical treatment, and being a curious, rambunctious, and somewhat clumsy 5yr old boy - there will absolutely be injuries the school and I can not prevent. What I need is a lawyer, and fast! Currently the standing offer requires a $10,000 retainer - of which I could only cover about $500.00. Once guardianship is secured, then I can apply for Henry to receive a survivors benefit, as his mom was on disability. It’s not fair that this little boy will fall behind in school because his mom died. He will need a lot of support going forward, and I will not rest until he gets the mental, spiritual, and educational support he needs…but I can only do this once I am his legal guardian.

I know $10,000 is an extraordinary amount of money to raise, but the sooner I can get this ball rolling, the better - for both of us.

Whether you can or can’t afford to contribute, please share this with everyone you can. My parents need to grieve, and I need to start taking care of this little boy. He has been the light of my life since the day he was born - and I’m not going to let him down now or ever.

All funds will go directly to obtaining guardianship, and anything remaining goes directly to Henry for his care and well-being.

Thank you all for being so supportive and caring. I can’t thank you all enough.

-Kate