Does a grandparent have an obligation to provide financial support for their grandchild?

In Maryland, a grandparent has no legal obligation to provide financial support for their grandchild, except as may be called for by a court order. Even then, only a court order typically necessitates a grandparent to provide financial support. The only mechanisms by which a grandparent may have an obligation include where the custodial parent is found to be legally unfit, negligent, or unable to provide financial support. In these cases, Maryland’s Grandparents Rights Law requires Grandparents to act in loco parentis, which means taking on the responsibility of a parent. This obligation may include providing financial support. Although a grandparent may voluntarily agree to provide financial support to a grandchild, this is not a legal obligation in Maryland. Grandparents who wish to do so are encouraged to create a contract or agreement with the custodial parent that outlines the terms of financial support. This document should be then signed and witnessed by both parties. In conclusion, in Maryland, a grandparent does not generally have a legal obligation to provide financial support for their grandchild, unless the court orders it or they voluntarily enter into an agreement with the custodial parent.

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Does a grandparent have an obligation to provide financial support for their grandchild?

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