My sister is having a lot of personal problems and is wanting me to take her two children ; her ex husband is no where to be found . What do I have to do to obtain temporary custody until my sister gets her life straightened out.

You will have to seek the advice of a family lawyer.

you will have to seek the advice of a family lawyer.


Absolutely - before your sister's problems get worse and child protective services steps in and then you're dealing with the system.

What you want is to be appointed temporary guardian to the children. This would not require the ex's consent. I would advise getting an attorney to prepare the petition.

If he is paying child support then someone knows where he is. Have you asked about that ? Also if you do take on the responsibility of her children then you will be entitled to the support that would or should have been paid to her and the support is for the children not the parent. Make sure that's in any papers you sign. Cover yourself well and don't do this without legal representation ( get a lawyer pronto )