My mother died recently. She was legal guardian to my grandduaghter,but never legally adopted her. Although she was S's legal guardian,S lived with me since we flew to Arizona and got her from the Arizona Family Services. The court terminated my daughter's maternal rights permanently and she says she doesn't know who S's daddy is.S is now 10 years old,almost 11. I have MS, and am on Social Security Disability. Social Security told me that S is not eligible for any benefits under my disibilty unless I adopt her, which I am more than happy to do. The only problem is the Court terminated her mother's rights permanently and there is no father for me to contact. Can anyone help me with the next step or tell me what I need to do to protect this precious girl's future that I love so much?

I would contact CPS (Arizona Family Services) and let them know of your desire. Since there is no other biological family with a claim to her custody, it should be fairly easy for you to adopt her. There will likely be a court hearing and interviews, but in the end, the court almost always tries to find family and you are the best family this little girl has.

Good luck and let us know what they say!

Edited to remove personal persons name