It was not a stupid question and if you knew the circumstances maybe you wouldn't be so quick to judge! My step-daughters mother left the state we live in when she found out she was being investigated by children's services and her other 3 children were going to be taken from her. My step-daughter was removed from her home because of severe sex abuse and is now in a mental institution because of the abuse. It is a long road, but she is slowly getting better. She will be coming home to her father and I and since her mother "ABANDONED" her a year ago, I was only asking this question in case she would return and try to take her daughter... so... no need to act like you did with your response. Isn't that why there is a website like this?. to get some answers! May God Bless You...

My husband's brother received permanent guardianship of my husbands daughter because my husband was not in a position to raise her. The mother gave up all rights. My husband pays child support every month and has been sober and a wonderful father to my children for the last 6 years, but my brother-in-law refuses to let him have visitation. She is 13 now.

Lori
I'm not understanding your First post. That post was added to a "Sticky Note" that explains about child abandonment. It was not addressing any specific post. In fact, you had posted no other question at the time you posted it. So I don't understand why you think anyone thought it was a "stupid question". I merged that post with the new question you posted and moved it from the Children forum.

Looking at both questions you seem to be asking about two situations. So before we can help you, you need to explain what you are referring to and let us know the circumstances.

But, as I stated in that sticky note. While it may be true the mother abandoned the child you referred to in the first post, that abandonment can be used as grounds to get custody, but is not something you file for separately.

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My step-daughter was removed from her home because of severe sex abuse

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My husband's brother received permanent guardianship of my husbands daughter because my husband was not in a position to raise her. The mother gave up all rights. My husband pays child support every month and has been sober and a wonderful father to my children for the last 6 years, but my brother-in-law refuses to let him have visitation. She is 13 now.

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Is your husband the one that used to sexually abuse your step-daughter? If so, I think your step-daughter has the right to decide whether she wants to see your husband. Your husband's brother maybe just a messenger.

If she really gave up her "rights" or had them taken away for Children Services, then she has no right to her daughter what so ever. If she merely gave guardianship to someone else, she can file in court to regian custody of the child.