I need advice as to how to go about gaining legal custody of a child that has been in my care for two yrs.

i need advice as to how to go about gaining legal custody of a child that has been in my care for two yrs.


Are the parents willing to sign, giving you legal guardianship?

No I really haven't discussed the issue do to fear of losing my son!

How old is the child? How much are the child's bio parent in the child's life? Do you have any court papers that state the child can or is living with you? How did the child get left with you? Do you have any biological relationship to the child? We need some background information in order to help.

How old is the child? How much are the child's bio parent in the child's life? Do you have any court papers that state the child can or is living with you? How did the child get left with you? Do you have any biological relationship to the child? We need some background information in order to help.


I don't know that this info changes anything - the parents have legal custody until the Court changes things. It is very, very difficult to get custody away from natural parents (child protective services tries to do it all the time and fails) whether you're a blood relative, an acquaintance, whatever. It's difficult with physical abuse, let alone someone just leaving their child with you.

You cannot accomplish legal custody/legal guardianship without the parents being notified (and if they can't be found a Judge will order service by publication) and a Court proceeding. The MAY be willing to sign over some type of temporary guardianship but, then again, you'd have to talk to the parent(s) with legal custody.

I would certainly ask an Attorney but in some of these situations you are better served to just keep records in case the parents attempt to take the child from you - and it would still be an uphill fight for you - and do nothing until there is a problem.

How do you get around school admission, Doctors' appointments, things like that?