New foster/legal custody questions

[imansgodmom10]

Hard to know where to start - have 14 yo goddaughter - been sharing caring for her since age 1 (her mom was in her 20's when I met them as the mom's son's tutor-I was an former teacher - Mom liked "clubbing" I didn't so I took care of the child a LOT!) Drug-related miscarriage=Mother lost custody to state in 2002, girl at first with the "evil" aunt (mental abuse, another foster kid molested her there, fraud against state, violations of licensing, etc.) but then was moved around to about 7 or 8 places, inc group home, but mostly on her own every day, doing teen-type wrongs. I fought to get her - fought nepotism and racism, fought greed, fought finances - on June 1st, they saw my way - Her mother is starting a federal prison sentence of 6 years. Child is 14 1/2 now - What am I not thinking of? This has been emotional - but I want to make sure I do everything right. i love my goddaughter TOO much. A lot of people don't get it - but you don't choose who you love - it's just that way. I wouldn't have it any other way. But she's 14 and been in the "skreet" way too much - I found out that age 12 was the last time she was a "little girl"-just broke my heart. She's a handful now-but so was I! I can remember! My mom is sure getting her payback and yes, it's a b...!

So I need to know What I Need to Know - to protect her, me, whatever. What "papers" do I need? Anything from her mother? I appreciate any help. Just wanna do it right!

 

[Duranie]

I am not sure what you are asking. Do you want to adopt the child or get legal guardianship? You need to see an attorney. As a godparent you have few or no legal rights to the child. If mom is going to prison and the father cannot be located or the father does not have any rights, you might have a shot. You really need to see an attorney.