I have been divorced for over 10 years, remarried and have had physical custody of my children. I have three children who graduated in May of this year. My twin daughters are 17, and will turn 18 in July. My son is a 21 year old disabled man. He has been in my custody his entire life. I have temporary guardianship of him (state of Illinois) pending permanent guardianship.
My ex is contesting the guardianship of my son, claiming only that there are better group homes in Minnesota where he lives, and wants to place him there immediately and have the government pay the bill. I wish to keep him at home with me and attend a day program for other autistic adults until my husband and I move to Wisconsin in late 2008, when I will seek independent living possibilities for him.
The child support order is rendered under North Dakota law (state of marriage dissolution) and heard in Minnesota. The last review ordered support for the twins until they turn 18 and graduate high school, and support is extended for my disabled son until he graduates from high school or moves out of my home. The right to extend it beyond that time of graduation is reserved for review. Minnesota reviewed the order recently and said that they were going to extend support for the girls past the graduation date to the date of their 18th birthday, which is in line with both MN and ND law. One of my daughters left be with some friends in Kansas before she attends college in Kansas next fall. She is 17, not entered into any legal contracts, but just staying with friends who are 18 or older. My ex has entered a motion petitioning the extension of child support until they are 18, based on the fact that one has moved out for the summer. There has been no talk of extending support for my disabled son.
Should I pursue the extended support for the girls until they are 18? should I pursue extended support for my son as long as he lives at home? Even if I am pursuing plenary guardianship? It would affect his SSI income, but he receives a smaller amount already, due to his income from child support. His happiness is my primary concern, and I know he is happiest in familiar surroundings and transitions need to be gradual.
thanks for your input and help.

