Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Custody of a minor child following parent death

My sister is terminally ill and I am to take custody of my 15 year old niece upon her death. Although my sister says that she will do the proper legal paperwork, it has not yet happened and I feel I need to prepare to do things following her death. I am trying to educate myself on what steps I will need to take following my sisters death. I suspect there won't be much of a battle, I just need to deal with the court issue. I live in a separate state. I have an attorney advising me regarding the things I will need to do in my home state. I just need a little help with what to do in my niece's home state. She does have a living biological father, however, he has very limited rights and is barely involved in her life. He does not want custdy. I think that's everything. Any help would be much appreciated. I don't mind doing all of my own research, I just need the jump start.

Thanks!


Asked on 10/01/07, 6:44 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
John Davidson Law Office of John A. Davidson

Re: Custody of a minor child following parent death

What your sister needs to do is have a custody agreement with you and then file it with the court to have it adopted as an order. There shouldn't be any hearing just an order making your custody agreement an order of the court.

If you have any questions feel free to contact me. The initial consultation is free.

{John}

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Answered on 10/02/07, 8:36 am


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