Press: Legal Aid of Sonoma County in the News

Press Democrat, December 10, 2010

LASC Helps Grandmother Gain Full Custody of Quadruplet Grandchildren

On Dec. 2, 2010, Marilyn Collins, a 65-year-old former department chairwoman of Citrus College’s Health Science Department gained full custody of her grandchildren — 8-year-old quadruplets whose mother, Lisa, died after a brief battle with a rare cancer in 2010.

Lisa and Marilyn decided they would be wise to have a legal document in place that would offer security for the kids should something happen to Lisa. Born profoundly deaf and dealing with a spate of injuries and illness, Lisa called Legal Aid of Sonoma County in early 2009 to help start the legal paperwork that would give Marilyn Collins custody of the kids should something happen to her.

“It was just relief,” Lisa said. “I know they will be safe here.” She said she tries to manage her emotions as she cares for the children. “We are sad and we are happy,” she said. “I do (cry) every now and then, but you know, it’s a circle of life, and we have always been realistic and we love the kids.”

Media Inquiries

For interview requests or other press related inquiries, please contact Legal Aid’s executive director, Ronit Rubinoff:

rrubinoff@legalaidsc.com