Can I obtain custody of my 6 year old niece?

[carolina100523]

Jurisdiction

South Carolina

We are originally from Ohio and relocated to SC 5 years ago. My sister birthed my niece in Ohio, the father refused to show up for a paternity test. Ever since we moved to SC my parents and I have been raising my niece buying her all the things she needs. Her mother has been in and out of jail since 2013. I just want whats best for her, considering i have been "mommy" since she was 2. My niece is well aware of who her actual mother is and does not refer to me as mom. she is also well aware of all the trouble her mother is in because her mom felt the need to discuss it with a 5 year old. Could my parents or my self try to get legal custody without having her mother or father sign them over. In all reality her mother refuses to sign them over and we are not 100% sure if the father would sign them over either.

 

[KatDini]

Probably not. But you can always contact a local attorney to see what they tell you.

 

[army judge]

I suggest you contact this agency:
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https://dss.sc.gov/content/customers/protection/cps/index.aspx
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Let the intake worker know that the mother has been in and out of jail, maybe headed to prison for whatever crimes might be her Kryptonite.

Let the worker know what you've been doing for two plus years, without any state help or support because you believed your sister would straighten up and behave.

It MIGHT, I emphasize MIGHT be possible to obtain EMERGENCY CUSTODY, which over time could morph into "Permanent Custody".

You must be patient, polite, and calm during the coming days.

You must at all times think of what is best for the child, and express that in word and deed.

I helped my sister obtain custody in VA for her two toddler grandchildren.

Her daughter (mother of the kids) is a drug abusing THIEF.

My sister was trapped where you are.

Do as I suggest, go slow, ignore the idiot mother and focus on doing what is best for those kids.

That's the easy part. because you're doing it.

If you seek to legalize your efforts, you'll get that and some state assistance, too.

You'll need that custody order to get those tykes enrolled in pre-K, or pre-school.

Emphasize that to the intake worker, and let the worker know the kids need healthcare, immunizations, and dental work.

Hang in there, its hard, I know.

You know that, too.

Your reward will be received in a few years when those kids have been saved by your efforts.

One last thing, don't worry about the mother or the father agreeing to this.

The state, if they accept you, will fight those battles for you, just as they did for my sister.

Good luck, and do return to tell us how things are going.

 

[carolina100523]

My parents currently have a POA for my niece im not 100% sure what exactly its called (i heard its only valid if she is incarcerated). Currently there is a warrant for her arrest, im afraid she is going to take her a flee the state and we will have no idea where she went and never get my niece back.

 

[army judge]

My parents currently have a POA for my niece im not 100% sure what exactly its called (i heard its only valid if she is incarcerated). Currently there is a warrant for her arrest, im afraid she is going to take her a flee the state and we will have no idea where she went and never get my niece back.

Again, read my original post.

Have your parents contact the state agency I mentioned.

Forget your sister, its all about those dear babies.

You can be the secondary guardian, along with your parents being named primary.

The state will figure it out, all you have to do is ask for help.