Q: Can I attain custody of a non-biological child without court?
Child will need to be enrolled in school and attain a new physician when I assume custody
A: Schools will typically want a court order in order to allow you to enroll the child. A physician will likely want an order in order to let you make medical decisions for the child or schedule an appointment. You will need guardianship papers that have been filed and signed off on by a judge. Therefore, the parent can voluntarily give you guardianship and you will then need to take the proper steps through the court once you have their signature. But without an order, I don't think a school or a physician is going to take a signed document from the parent, even if notarized. So no, you don't just obtain custody of a child that's not yours.
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