Q: My drug addict cousin had a baby last month. Because of the drug use, the baby is with another family.
I just learned of this situation and my cousin wants me to take the baby. Her court date is coming up and she has asked me to accompany her to court so the baby can be placed with me. Is this the correct process? I do plan to go to court next week with her but I just want to be prepared. From what I understand, she still has custody of the baby, but wants to let the judge know that she wants the baby with me.
A: More facts would be needed. Is the baby with another family because child services placed the baby with them? Is she married to the father? Does he or his family have an interest in the baby? Did he establish paternity? Why is she going to court - is it a criminal matter? Does she expect to go immediately to jail or rehab? She should use the Find a Lawyer tab and consult a local family law attorney, or the person who wants to gain custody should contact an attorney.
R. Scott Patterson agrees with this answer
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
