Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

getting guardianship but not legal custody

I have been caring for 4 children that are not mine. Their mother does not want to care for them and has asked me to take them. The father works 2 jobs and sees them on the weekends. I am looking for some way to be able to make decisions regarding their education, medical, and other activities without having custody. The mother would gladly sign them over to me but father would not. Is there any type of legal document that would give me the rights to make decisions for them?


Asked on 10/14/04, 4:39 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Barbara C. Johnson Law Office of Barbara C. Johnson

Re: getting guardianship but not legal custody

Why do you want to cut the father out of making decisions regarding his biological children???

That's pretty d--n nervy.

Other than being a friend of a mother who has abrogated the responsibiity to mother her own children, what relationship are you to the children?

The father sounds responsible -- working two jobs and seeing his kids on the weekends, when, I assume, he does not work and has the time to enjoy the children.

I think you should rethink your position. How old are the children? How old are you? Have you children of your own? Are you a "single" or nonmarital mother? Are you married or divorced?

What does the dad work at? Were you ever employed outside the home?

Lots of questions to be asked before proper advice can be given you.

Nevertheless, I am going to guess the best advice that can be given you now is THINK IT THROUGH what you are trying to do and WHY you are trying to exclude the dad from the lives of his children???

Barbara

Read more
Answered on 10/15/04, 1:42 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Massachusetts