Legal Question in Family Law in California
My little sister was removed from my mother's home and has been staying with my cousin, its been a year now. my mom can't get her back because she has warrants and the social worker said she had to clear them up which means a couple of years in prison. the social worker told me that at the next court hearing she was going to recommend my sister stay with my cousin permanently. I have recently heard from several people that my sister is very unhappy and depressed because the way she is treated. The last time I talked to her I cried after I hung up. She didn't complain or say anything but I know my sister and she is miserable. I think my cousin stands right next to her when ever anyone calls to talk to her so she can't express how she really is. I know she is not allowed to go outside and play with the other kids or do anything without my cousin present. she is 12 years old. my cousin's kids are younger than her and have more freedom. My sister isn't a bad girl, she has always been sweet and loving. I've talked to the social worker about this and she said my sister is fine. But she is wrong! I know my sister and she is not fine at all. Can I go to court and ask for custody even if the worker wants her to stay where she is at? What can I do>
1 Answer from Attorneys
Any adult relative can petition for custody of a minor child who's parents are deemed unfit.