What to do if my sister-in-law was recently arrested and I’m concerned about my niece?

Get Legal Help Today

Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption

What to do if my sister-in-law was recently arrested and I’m concerned about my niece?

The child’s father, my brother, is deceased and while she is staying with a relative I would be more able to take care of her longterm. I wanted to know if there is a way for the mother to agree to give me temporary guardianship without getting child welfare involved (and also keep cost down as far as legal fees).

Asked on November 25, 2012 under Family Law, Alabama

Answers:

B.H.F., Member, Texas State Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney

Answered 11 years ago | Contributor

Since the mom is the only legal conservator left, she can decide where the child should live and make any appropriate arrangements for the child.  She can agree to let you take the child temporarily while she deals with her legal issues.  She can also agree to give you legal custody.  To make sure this is done correctly, you would want a lawyer to help draft the petition and the agreed order-- but if mom agreed to everything, the price will be significantly less than a contested custody suit.  The most non-threatening approach is to offer temporary help and then if things don't improve, ask her if she would agree to long-term custody via the agree custody orders.

If her legal situation continues to go down hill and she starts making poor decisions for the child, then you may have to call child welfare to insure the safety of the child. 


IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.

Get Legal Help Today

Find the right lawyer for your legal issue.

secured lock Secured with SHA-256 Encryption