We want to have custody of my husband's nephew (sister's child). His mother is encarcerated and he is now living with his paternal grandmother in Philly and she is willing to transfer custody over to us. We live in FL. What is the procedure? Do we have to go through the courts? Is there a way to do it without the courts? :confused:

I would suggest you talk to a lawyer to see what they suggest you do... I am sure there is paper work you can get for a fee from your court house that you can have all parties fill out and turn in to the court house so you will not have to get a lawyer or go in front of a judge. But I would definitely suggest you do it this way so that your nephew is LEGALY in your custody and that way you don't have any issues with the schools or even the family down the road . Well I hope that helped :)

Go through the courts. The judge will do whatever's deemed to be in the best interests of the child. The fact that the grandmother is willing to allow you to have custody is a plus but it doesn't guarantee anything. There's also the issue of your nephew's father and the mother when she gets released.

Where is this kid's father