[lwomack]

I met this girl through a mutual friend, friends I had just met. She had two sons at the time (2 and 3) and was pregnant with her 3rd son. I baby sat the children a couple of times for her while she worked, when I was in town visiting because I love children. Her oldest son's father lives in Chicago, IL, and the younger son's father is not in his life at all. She would always keep the children dirty and smelly, even sending them to daycare like that, to where the teachers had to bathe them before allowing them near the other children. Eventually I kidded around with her saying that when the oldest son is away visiting his father, I would take Jacob with me. Well she obliged allowing him to begin going out of town with me, only after nowing me a few weeks. I would get him every other weekend, take him to see my family, and buy him things he needed. Eventually he and his oldest brother started spending every other weekends with me and my family and the entire summers as well. For the past two years, she signed power of attorney to me and my mother, who Jacob and Sevion now calls Grandma. Jacob is now living with me full time. She does not call and does not send money. He was in a car accident and she didn't call to check on him. He has spent his last 3 Christmases with me and my family. And he had surgery on both of his eyes and she didn't even call. I allow him to occasionally go visit her and his brothers, but he always come back dirty and regressing in his progress. I have him in regular school, with one on one assistance, regular pediatrician, eye doctor and dental care, and boosted his speech and vocabulary up tremendously. She did not have him updated on his booster shots, and he had to get 4 shots at once in order to catch up on shots to begin school. I have proof, phone records, doctor records, school records and several statements that will coincide with my assistance to Jacob. I even work two jobs (paralegal for firm and department stores) so he can have a loving environment and open opportunities just as I did when I was growing up. All three of her children have been shifted. At one point, Jacob was living with her Ex Boyfriend and his mama. Now she tells me that she want him back in August. I don't mind her seeing him every once in a while, but I do not think him living with her full time, is what's best for him. I think that he will not have to opportunity to develop as he does with me and the support team I have developed for him. What should I do?

[JudyKayTee]

You are going to have a problem if the mother wants him back.

I would recommend an Attorney - a good family law attorney - now.

[lwomack]

Thanks for the advice, but are there any leads that you can give me that will give me a clue as to what my favor is in this situation. Or... can she just remove him from my care, although she abandoned him to a stranger?

[JudyKayTee]

There really are no odds - it's about proof, a good Attorney, a sensitive Judge, how much she's willing to fight. Lots of factors involved. I wish I had odds to give you but I really don't.

[lwomack]

Thanks Judy... I have a lot of proof, and many credible witnesses. I'm just trying to do what's best for him.

[JudyKayTee]

Thanks Judy...I have a lot of proof, and many credible witnesses. I'm just trying to do what's best for him.

I know you are and that's why these situations are heartbreakers. One of my neighbors took in an 11 year old, no support, with the clothes on her back, because possible-Dad (no one knows for sure) doesn't "want her" (and is addicted) and Mom lives on Planet Zippy. The girl was literally a throw away. My neighbor can't get either parent to sign any type of legal document and so she lives day to day, her heart in her mouth, hoping the mother doesn't try to get the child back.

And, as I said, the legal system is becoming more and more sensitive to these issues.

[Fr_Chuck]

I wish I could even give you a "you have a chance" but to be honest all of the odds are against you, You did not even get temp custody of the child, so the mother had, still has and will still have custody of the child.

In fact a POA can be ended at anytime with no notice by the person who gave it. In fact a POA was not really proper for this, it merely allows you to sign for the mother but not sign against their wishes.

So unless you can prove the mother completely unfit, she will get the child back, And even if she is still unfit, there are others who would have a better legal claim.

You will need the best attorney you can find.

[cdad]

Another thing that is blocking your way is that he has siblings in her home. Courts are often reluctant to remove siblings on a permanent basis. If you're a paralegal and you know or are woking for some lawyers then ask them.