Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

custody of niece

I have a niece who has been livivg with me for 3 months. her mom is on methodone everyday and is an abusive relationship documented. yesterday the mom came into my house and took the child from me. the child was screaming for me and there was nothing i could do legally so i called children services and opened a case. the mom is high and the boyfriend is abusive and my niece is terrified of him. the baby wants to be with me and i want custody however i cant afford an attorney. i need help, i dont know where the baby is and herom called me and told me i will never see the baby again. please help me.


Asked on 6/26/08, 1:28 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Patrick Narcisi Narcisi Law Offices, P.C.

Re: custody of niece

I think your best chance is through CYF. If you want to try for custody you face some tough obstacles. You don't actually have standing to take custody from the natural parents, bad as they may be. You have to first convince the court that you acted as a parent toward the child. This might give you the right to ask for custody; but you have a heavy burden of proof afterwards.

Read more
Answered on 6/26/08, 6:07 pm


Related Questions & Answers

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