Q: I am currently taking care of my siblings, but their father recently hinted that he wants to take them. What can I do?
My mother passed 2 years ago. About 2 months after their father left the house and has not been back. I used my life insurance money to take care of them, but the money has ran out. Now he pays the bills of the house. Even when my mother was alive I raised the children so he tries to manipulate me saying if it cannot be his way he will take them, but it’s coming to a point where I cannot continue to communicate with him and how he tries to control me and my other family members. I just want custody of my siblings so that I won’t have to deal with him anymore.
A:
Whatever informal arrangement might exist, formal custody is determined by the courts. You're asking questions that really would benefit from sitting down and consulting with a family law attorney who can go over all the specifics of your situation and the options to seek formal guardianship and/or custody.
If you do not have the resources to hire an attorney there is some free help selecting the correct forms to file at family law "pro se" or "self help" clinics staffed by volunteer attorneys at the Circuit Court.
In Charles County, Family Law and General Civil Practice Clinics are sponsored by the Charles County Bar Association. The Family Law Clinic is open on Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to Noon. A volunteer lawyer is generally available to offer some guidance on custody matters. The clinics are located in the Charles County Circuit Courthouse next to Courtroom F.
While not legal advice I hope that this general information helps.
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