Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Child custoy

Hello lawyers..

My cousin has had temporary guardianship of her sister's two children for the past 9 months. The reason was that the children's mother was very unstable in her living conditions and situations. She had a very abusive boyfriend and at times was homeless. the children tell my cousin about the times when they were abused...everything from having their mouths taped shut to being handcuffed as punishment. One time, one of the children's punishiments was to lay in bed. on his back for an enire week. He was only allowed to get up to go the restroom and he could sit up for 10 minutes to eat. Sometimes, the boyfriend would blow marijuana smoke in the childrens' faces.

Two days ago, the childrens' mother called and send she was going to come pick up the children on July 15, 2009. Her living situation has not changed and she has two CPS cases against her. But, She wants to collect money for the children from welfare, so she wants them back. My cousin does not want to send the children back into their mother's questionable lifestyle. My cousin wants to file for temporary emergency custody But, is still a little unsure of how to start. Please, if you have any advice for her, I would very much appreciate it. Thank you.


Asked on 7/09/09, 7:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Amir John Showrai The Pacific Law Firm, PLLC

Re: Child custoy

You cousin should seek out local counsel to help her in filing for a third party custody claim. This is where a non-parent files for custody of a child. This is not a simple one to try on her own, and hopefully she can afford an attorney, otherwise, she needs to immediately get in touch with an organization that is local to her that helps low income folks in her situation. Have her scour the internet for sources local to her, or call the Washington State Bar Association to see if they can refer her in the right direction.

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Answered on 7/09/09, 9:05 pm


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