Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey

custody of child not related

What are the chances of being awarded custody of a baby who is not related to you? Young couple in their 20's, has a baby...father has custody. He is on drugs, DFYS (think I spelled that right), has been called on them, being evicted from their apartment, they need to be out in a week. They have no idea where they will be going. She has no parents they are deceased and his mother (grandmother of baby), is out of the picture and DYFS also has been to her house. They are just friends of my daughters, no relation. I just got attached, and I have provided things for the baby, clothing, food, etc..Do I have any chance of being awarded custody, so this baby can live in a stable home? I love this baby as if he was my own grandchild, should I fight Or should I just forget and let the system take over. The parents know I feel this way and the father is 100% against giving up his rights. I know this might sound cruel, but I have no room in my home for all 3 of them..But I do have room for the baby. I just dont want to see this baby living on the streets, cause the parents dont pay their bills. Please give me some advice. Thank you so much!


Asked on 10/21/06, 1:59 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Philip Burnham, Esquire Burnham Law Group, LLC.

Re: custody of child not related

These are always tough cases. Is DFYS currently involved? Are they trying to remove the child? You would have to file for custody/adoption/guardianship depending on what you wanted and it would then depend on the parents level of cooperation.

I would be happy to follow up with you. Please call my office if you would like to schedule an appointment either in person or by telephone. My contact information is listed in the links below.

Disclaimer: You can not rely on the advice of an attorney given over the internet. The exact facts of your situation, including facts which you have not mentioned in your question, may completely change the result for your situation.

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Answered on 10/23/06, 9:39 am


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