I have an almost 14 year old step son. His father and I were married before he was 1 divorced when he was 8. From age 5-almost 9 he lived with me mostly in my care while his father was in Iraq and his mother was not able or willing to take care of him. In 2008 his father took him back and quickly sent him to live with unknown relatives out of state until June of 09 at which time he was move to another state with his mother until she sent him to live with me again In 2010 I again was asked to care for him and a year later given guardianship papers to last a year. They expired May of 2012. He stayed with me until August when his father took him back. Currently his mother lives a state away and his father is living in a halfway house look at jail time. A neighbor showed up at my door and took him, she had guardianship papers. I want to fight, but do I have a case? I have raised him pretty much alone since he was 5. His brother and sister miss him. I miss him.

I think you have a strong case. You have provided a stable home for a large part of his life. Plus at 14 the court should give significant weight to his preferences.

I would, however, get an attorney.