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jpmoore · May 11, 2012, 03:31 PM

I have been raising my stepdaughter off and on for the last few years, I am not her bioligical father nor has she been awarded to me by the state. Her mother has repeatedly just on a whim left her with me for months at a time and then just return to claim her. This time she has been with me for 6 months and the thought of her going back to that life is breaking both her heart and mine. Is there ant legal way I can become her legal guardian, through some kand of child abandonment law or by any means.

ScottGem · May 11, 2012, 03:34 PM

What about her bio father? If you move for custody, the courts will likely want to see if he will get involved.

But yes, if you have been caring for her and can prove the mother keeps disappearing then get a lawyer and file for custody.

jpmoore · May 11, 2012, 03:46 PM

Originally Posted by ScottGem

What about her bio father? If you move for custody, the courts will likely want to see if he will get involved.

But yes, if you have been caring for her and can prove the mother keeps disappearing then get a lawyer and file for custody.

Her biological father lives in Ohio and has never been involved in her life. I am the only father she has ever known. She just turned 11 and has never even met him.

ScottGem · May 11, 2012, 04:08 PM

That doesn't mean a court will not require he be contacted. That's why you need an attorney to help you through this.

Fr_Chuck · May 11, 2012, 04:18 PM

Agree, the bio father at this point would have the best legal claim to the child, just not having contact does not take away his rights.

You basically have no legal right at all here, you can not even legally register her in school, take her to the doctor or anything.

You do need to try and do something though the courts, buy I would get an attorney, since guardianship would be the first move.