Legal Question in Family Law in Missouri

My niece was kidnapped!!

HELP!! My sister had a baby 2 1/2 years ago. The father of her child left her while she was pregnant. She started dating another gentleman. She let HIS sister take care of her baby until she was on her feet. They have NO relation to the baby at all. When the baby was 8 months old my sister tried to get her back. They refused to give the baby back. Now the baby is 2 1/2. my sister went with the police to get the baby legally. They ran. We cannot find them. The police will not help. There is NOTHING in writing that gives that custody of the baby. They had a verbal conversation stating that it was temporary until my sister was on her feet. I dont know what else to do. I have been everywhere. I cant really aford a lawyer. The woman that was temporarily watching the baby is of NO blood relation. They took her. the police refuse to help. THEY KIDNAPPED MY NIECE!!! Why wont they help??? What can I do? Do we have the right to get her back even though its been 2 years. We were sending money every month for the baby. we visited the baby every weekend. I NEED HELP!!


Asked on 3/01/07, 11:17 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Anthony Smith LawSmith

Re: My niece was kidnapped!!

If your sister discovers where the child is living, she may be able to bring an action for custody in that county. She should contact the County Prosecutor in that County and consult with a probate attorney. If the prosecutor wil not file charges, she may be able to bring her own. You will probably have to help her with the costs.

If she does nto know where teh child is living, she shoudl contact DFS. Presumeably your sister knows the childs social security number. That, the name and date of birth should give the state a basis for discovering the child's wherabouts. If they find the child, she will need your help hiring an attorney to bring a custody claim.

Good Luck

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Answered on 3/01/07, 3:28 pm


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