Legal Question in Family Law in New York

Re: Is a guardinaship sworn statement from other country acceptable in US

This is directly from the Dominican Republic Consulate Office website located in New York:

"Documents originated in the Dominican Republic: Birth and Marriage Certificates, Divorce Acts, and Judgments should be legalized by the Central City Clerk’s Office (Central Board of Elections), by the Secretariat of State of Foreign Affairs, and certified by the United States Consulate in the Dominican Republic."

Since it appears that you are in the State of New York, I believe that the Dominican Republic Consulate in New York would be a good start to verify the validity of the sworn statement by your father stating that your aunt was your legal guardian when you were a child.

You should also contact the U.S. Department of State to determine if they also need to validate the document.

After the Consulate and/or the State Department verifies the document, it may be in your best interest to file a copy of this document with the Family Court located in your local jurisdiction in New York. If the Family Court needs to have a new proceeding, they will probably let you know.

If you require our services in connection with this matter, please telephone the office at (212) 618-1830.