I am the paternal aunt of a minor child turning 18 in December. I was given physical custody and joint legal custody with her father in Jan 2005. Her father dis-owned her in July 2005 choosing never to see her again. He has had no contact, paid no child support (he was not ordered as I did not request it), and has only kept her on his health insurance. We are now in a situation where the child needs a minor surgery and the court order states he has final decision making regarding health. If he refuses to send me a notorized letter granting authorization what would my legal rights be? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

You would have to petition the court to intercede. Whether the surgery is minor or not isn't the issue, its how necessary it is, that's the issue.