Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

I have been caring for three now four of my god children most of their lives. They are 5, 3, 2 and 6 months. The mother is 19 and is unable to care for them. They have lived with me for 3 years now. The mother is homeless. They have different fathers. 2 fathers are incarcerated. (Murder and Grand Theft and Attempted Murder) The other is in and out of jail (Drug Related Charges)and his whereabouts are unknown. They have NEVER been involved in the children's lives since birth.

The mother has no family that can care for them. The mother wishes that I keep them permanently because she unable to care for them emotionally, physically or financially.

I need to know the proper affidavits to file to make this long term and permanent. I do allow the mother and other family members to see them from time to time. The mother has signed a Temporary Custody/Guardianship with me. It has been notarized.

What can I do at this time to make this situation permanent? They need stability and permanency.


Asked on 3/04/11, 9:42 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lucreita Becude Lucreita D. Becude, P.A.

without a court order for temporary guardianship your notarized document does not mean anything. You need to file a petition for permanent custody and she and the fathers will need to consent.

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Answered on 3/05/11, 5:04 am


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