Reginald Smith, a proud veteran, and his wife, Fawn, have been raising their daughter’s two children, Broderick and Jayla, for many years. They never thought twice about providing the love and stability their grandchildren needed. But when Broderick and Jayla reached college age, Reginald hit an unexpected barrier: the VA would not allow him to extend his earned education benefits to them unless he and Fawn obtained a legal adoption order.
Without adoption, the grandchildren he had raised as his own would be denied access to the education support they desperately needed. Reginald was determined to ensure Broderick and Jayla could pursue their dreams—but he couldn’t do it alone.
Reginald turned to Lone Star Legal Aid for help navigating the legal process. LSLA attorneys guided the family through the adoption proceedings, ensuring every requirement was met and every step handled carefully.
The court recently finalized the adoption, and with the judge’s signature, Broderick and Jayla became Reginald and Fawn’s legal children. This ruling allows them to use Reginald’s VA education benefits—an incredible opportunity made possible through love, perseverance, and legal aid.
Broderick is now pursuing a kinesiology degree, while Jayla is studying architecture. With their grandparents’ support and the benefits they’ve earned, both are on the path to bright futures.
This November, as we honor Adoption Month and Veterans Month, we celebrate families like the Smiths—where love, service, and justice unite to change lives.