I have guardianship of my 5 neceices & nephews for the past 6 years. Recently my sister got married and now has filed to terminate the guardianship because she wants the kids (mostly because she feels guilty). Dcfs was called when she had them BC she crawled out of the window and disappeared for 4 days. My sister and the kids lived with my mom so my mom was there with the kids but BC this happened often and my mom has health issues and not able to take care of them she called dcfs. We are now going to court, GAL has reported kids should stay with me, and now we are waiting on a hearing. I love the kids as they are my own and want to get full custody but I don't know how that will work in Illinois as the law favors the parents. There are 2 fathers, 1 in prison and the other has said he now wants his son but he lives out of state and I've heard the court doesn't like moving kids from state to state. Kids do want to live with my sister she has promised them the impossible. We live in great neighborhood, wonderful schools, and all are honor roll students. My sister has told kids about court and it is causing confusion in our home. Kids stealing and lying BC "what difference does it make I'm moving with my mom" kids are very confused and judge said not to talk to them about it. I love them and my sister she just isn't a MOM she's their friend. I'm really torn but want the best for the kids! Ages 12 through 7. Thanks!

First sit down and explain court, and be honest tell them no one knows where they will go yet, but you are going to try and keep them.

Next explain right and wrong, stealing is wrong no matter where you live and you expect better if they do go with mom. That right and wrong is not where you live but who you are.
Depending on the ages they should know that.

The kids need to know the truth, at least honest what court is. What you can't tell the kids is what to say in court.

But you should be getting their behavior witnessed by school counselors, neighbors, store owners if they are stealing, and have them testify what has happened to them since the mother is trying to take them.

What I have not hear of is an attorney, you need one, greatly, to protects the rights of the kids.

I have spoken to the twins about school and stealing, they are 7. We were told by the judge not to talk to the kids about court so I haven't. I think that's where the confusion is coming in. They only have what my sisters been telling them and with me not saying anything comes their confusion. I do have a very expensive attorney but so far my sister or the father do not. My lawyer said I already look better than them due to the GAL report but I'm very scared of losing them. They are my whole life!