2006-07-23 11:16:34 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Lawyer is the only way ....
2006-07-23 11:19:51 · answer #1 · answered by Scott c 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well without knowing why makes it a little harder to know just how far you want to go. Is she terminally ill, or in the military and about to be sent overseas? Does she want you to become her legal guardian but have your sister stay with her for the time being? Or stay with you until she returns from duty? On the other hand does she simply want you to adopt your sister and raise her as your own? Do you see the dilemma?
Anyway, no matter what, your first step would be to seek the services of an attorney. She/He can both explain where you need to begin. From there it strictly depends upon the family and children laws of your state
I truly hope your mother is not ill, but whatever the reason, it sounds as if she loves your sister a great deal to want what she thinks is best for her children.
Good luck.
I would really like to know the outcome of this. I realize that somethings are just too private to share
May God bless you all.
2006-07-23 18:36:12 · answer #2 · answered by fishergirl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your question implies you are adult age, and your sister is younger.
Do NOT contact DHS. That is bad advice. It is like doing business with thugs, and not relevant here. You do NOT need DHS input, and if there is anything they don't like, they are likely to take custody of the girl from both of you, and pop her into a foster home. They do things like make you show all your financial statements, come into your house and inspect it, measure it to compare to some minimum chart they have, and stuff like that.
Also, this does not sound like an adoption case, but a custody case. You do not need to terminate her parental rights. You just need to get legal rights and responsibilities over the child, so you can legally do what is needed to take care of her medically and educationally.
For that, the usual choice is an attorney, and that attorney will let you know if you need a judge's order. My guess is since the case does not seem to be contested, it may simply require an temporary ex parte custody order, depending upon your state law.
There is a possible issue if the child's father is still alive he still has rights. Still, for custody and care, that may not be an issue. The answer is an attorney.
There was an article in a recent Reader's Digest about a young man whose mom died, and he got custody of his siblings, and is raising them. Very touching story, as your is as well.
2006-07-23 19:17:28 · answer #3 · answered by retiredslashescaped1 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to an attorney it has to go through legal process. Department of Human Services would be a good place to start if you are financially challenged. If you live in a bigger town there is usually legal aid offices that are based on your income. You can also call the state bar for information on locating legal aid offices. Remember even if it is what your sister wants it may not be best. She may later feel like it was to easy for mom to sign rights.
2006-07-23 18:23:09 · answer #4 · answered by jagaja131 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
See a lawyer and have a legal document drawn up listing your rights and responsibilities for the girl, signed by both you and your mother.
2006-07-23 18:20:37 · answer #5 · answered by LindaLou 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact your states legal bar assoc. or university with a law dept and they will be glad to help you for free on how to proceed or you can contact an attorney specializing in adoptions. Good luck
2006-07-23 18:36:56 · answer #6 · answered by Arthur W 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
www.getprotectedhere.com
2006-07-24 15:27:27 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋