Legal Question in Real Estate Law in Maryland

Hello my two little sisters and i was living with my mother on section 8 and she has recently been murder in 2008 i was 17 at the time and was not of age to know anything about taking over until someone in my family has completed the recovery process.I wanted to know if you could assist me on going through with this because I'm on the edge of being homeless with my two little sisters and my 10 months daughter. Please help me step by step!


Asked on 1/01/10, 7:42 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Cedulie Laumann Arden Law Firm, LLC

The facts you describe are certainly tragic.

If you are 18 and have two siblings without a parent (it is not clear from your question whether either sister has a father in the picture) you can petition the court for appointment as guardian. I would imagine that a social worker has been assigned to your minor siblings, and since two years have passed and DSS is likely involved you may want to start there by expressing your interest in raising your sisters.

From a legal standpoint, the law presumes that a biological parent is the best one to raise a child unless they give up their rights or the court finds they abandoned / neglected the child or otherwise are unfit to parent. So you will not be able to get legal guardianship unless your sisters' father(s) either give up their rights or the court terminates their rights. It is possible to seek immediate guardianship before a full-blown court trial takes place.

Obviously you will want to secure a stable place to live but I can't tell from your description whether you are working or have any income coming in or what social security benefits might be available to your minor siblings. Practically you will want some clear place to live before petitioning the court to serve as guardian.

Because your situation is urgent and the facts are complex I strongly urge you to seek the advice of an attorney and/or social worker. An online forum is not designed to offer specific legal advice. Certain charitable organizations may offer you immediate housing if you would otherwise be homeless. You may want to call one or more crisis housing places right away. I am not sure what county you live in. Of course, crisis housing is only a temporary solution. Sarah's house may be a good first call or the Maryland Women's Law Center.

Once an attorney and/or social worker know a more complete picture they can help you with practical steps (such as filing the appropriate petition for guardianship or filing for social security benefits for your siblings or applying for housing).

This answer is not legal advice but I hope it points you in the right direction and gives you some general guidance .

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Answered on 1/06/10, 8:16 am


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