Legal Question in Family Law in North Carolina

My best friend left her daughter in my care in order for her to go out of town to film a movie. She left her with me for educational purposes. She did not leave her with her father due to his work schedule and living situation. The father went to court and was given temporary custody claiming that she was abandoned by her mother. After he was awarded custody, he came and got her on a Friday and returned her to me stating that he could not take care of her full time. Him uprooting her from what she calls home whenever he feels like it is taking a negative toll on her. Do I have right to file for custody of her?


Asked on 5/03/17, 9:53 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

You likely do not have standing to sue for custody. You also should be careful about caring for the child after the father was awarded custody and brought her back as this could expose you to some possible liability. One option would be to contact DSS and ask them to look into placing the child with you. However, DSS is without doubt staffed with the most unpredictable and often idiotic group of women I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. If you choose to involve DSS things could go wonderfully or the child could end up a ward of the state and in foster care - you just never know. You may want to consult with your friend and then an attorney who can go over your situation in more detail and provide all your options. Best of luck!

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Answered on 5/03/17, 10:03 am


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