[sheilapar]

How do I go about getting custody of my 12 year old granddaughter. The reason I'm asking is my son, her father had full custody care and control of her since birth because her mother abandoned her at birth. My son passed away 9/20/13 and she has been living with me, and fiancé going to school in Lincoln, Al.

[ScottGem]

Find out where you local Family Court is, and ask the court clerk what you need to do to legalize custody.

[Fr_Chuck]

The issue is, some courts may have "forms" but in many cases there are no fill in the blank forms, but there are motions that have to be made in court. Prior action involving mother may have to be reviewed by judge also.

You need an attorney for this

[ScottGem]

As Chuck said, its probably not a form that you just fill out. You need to file a motion with the court to grant you custody. You will have to show that your son had sole custody and that since his demise, you have been caring for the child. This should be enough to get temporary guardianship/custody.

To get full custody, you will probably need to show cause why you and not any other relatives, including the mother, should have custody.