Hello,

My niece is 1 1/2 years old and my sister has moved out and asked my husband and I to take care of my niece. Her father is incarcerated (something to do with having sex with a minor). My only concern is my niece. No hesitation on either my husband or myself to take care of her I just would like to know what I need to do to go about signing papers. My sister said she will sign over her rights.

Thank You.

If your sister is going to sign over her rights, then you will, most likely, have to adopt. Relinquishment of rights is difficult to do, and usually done if there is someone waiting to adopt.

On the other hand, you could just be appointed legal guardians. This would put responsibility for rasing your niece on you and your husband. But, if your sister gets her act together, she should be able to regain custody. I'm assuming that you wouldn't want to shut your sister out of her daughter's life.