Photo not of actual clients
“James,” 70, had helped raise “Cole” since he was born in 2007. A veteran living primarily off his Social Security income, he had known Cole’s mother for almost two decades and had allowed her and Cole to live in his home even though they were not related. She and Cole had been abandoned by Cole’s father, and James had become a role model and source of stability in the young boy’s life. Unfortunately, Cole’s mother struggled with addiction. After repeated interventions by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), she eventually left him in James’ care rather than allow him to go into the foster care system. However, James still did not have legal custody or guardianship of Cole. After determining that a non-relative could legally obtain custody, the Veteran’s Services Unit at JALA agreed to take the case. Attorney Declan Duffy drafted the required petition, consent agreement and waiver and represented James at two hearings. Over the next year, Duffy worked on locating Cole’s mother and obtaining her consent, as well as searching for his father. He eventually learned that Cole’s father was deceased. After obtaining the death certificate, he represented James at a final hearing in which the judge awarded custody to James. The judge also ordered that DCF should determine James’ eligibility for Florida’s Guardianship Assistance Program, which would provide medical and financial assistance. Cole remains in James’ care and never had to go into foster care.
