Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

Re: guardianship / child support

You are acting in loco parentis. Petition the court for child support from the mother and the father.

Also petition the court for legal custody which would give you the right to consent for medical care and school.

Good luck to you.

Re: guardianship / child support

You asked about emancipating a minor child.

Emancipation may not in the best interest of the child and often won't be considered unless the child can demonstrate a means to support him/herself. Rather, as Mr. Brown suggested, you may be better off seeking to either gain full custody or otherwise place this child.

Your best bet is to seek out the assistance of either a law clinic or a lawyer that will offer some pro bono (free) representation. Your situation particularly suited to a law clinic. Contact all the law schools near you to obtain referrals to their clinics or to lawyers that may be able accept a pro bono matter. You should also contact your county bar association and the state bar association to seek a referral. Sometimes they have better information on who might be willing to accept a pro bono case.

Widener University has an active legal clinic operating on its campuses in Harrisburg and Wilmington, DE. Law schools clinics often have greater latitude to provide help on unique cases. You and the girl must be diligent to find the resources the girl. I do not practice family law but I can offer some assistance in finding another lawyer that may be able to help. Call me if you need _some_ assistance or leads. Also, be certain to get a social worker assigned through the state department of social services immediately.

Regards,

Roger