Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

Re: How to get guardianship of nephew

A letter written from his actual parent to whom it may concern naming you the guardian of his person on a temporary basis, and reciting that you are standing in the place of that parent for purposes of medical decisions, etc. would work for the school and for medical emergencies.

Having the parent have the letter notarized would be good.

Child will not get insurance except through the state - not eligible for your work insurance just because he's living in your home.

You don't mention how this came to happen, but it is a little unusual. Your legal options are to start a third party custody action, which alleges that neither parent is fit, or to help the child with a CHINS petition.

A decree reciting that you are the custodian of this child would get you child support and services from the state if necessary.

Be careful about asking the State for help, that can have unintended consequences.

Hope this helps. Without knowing more, I don't have a lot more to offer, except to suggest you contact your local bar association to see if they have a clinic or can refer you to a family law attorney, who can help you much better than I can.

Elizabeth Powell