Severna Park, MD asked in Family Law for Maryland

Q: My husband and I have had custody of my two nieces for 8 years. The father, my brother is in jail

the mother has been in and out of jail and now claims to be "doing right". She wants her kids back. We told her we would not fight as long as she could prove she is fit to take them to a court. However, we feel that she is not doing what she needs to do... we are considering a petition to terminate her rights so we can file for adoption. Also, Georgia granted us custodial guardianship 8 yrs ago, while we were living in RI. We now live in Maryland(my husband is Navy). Where should we go to court? Also what steps should sh be taking? I read something about a reunification plan..... the only thing she has been doing is sending a card or package on in a while. She has requested a phone call but we don't trust her and feel it is not in the best interest of the girls.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Evan M. Koslow
Evan M. Koslow
Answered
  • Annapolis, MD
  • Licensed in Maryland

A: There is a lot going on here which would be better suited to discuss with an attorney offline, as it is possible that Georgia may have jurisdiction (due to the guardianship). However, the state that the child has resided for the past 6 months may also have jurisdiction as well. Plus there are other nuances that should be discussed in greater detail.

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