Foster care or legal guardianship?

Question

My husbands ex girlfriend is signing over her rights of her 2 children tomorrow. I need to know what to do in order to gain legal gaurdianship of the children that way I can take them to the doctors and school meetings etc. so thier dad doesnt have to take off work to do it. What do I do?

Answer 1

You can take them to the Dr. or to school meetings if your husband signs permission for you to do that and you don't have to do legal guardianship  for that. I am not sure that you can become their legal guardian because they are living with their father but you can do a step parent adoption.

Answer 2

get a signed letter and inform the schools.

Answer 3

The first two answers are accurate as far as they go. However, you asked about "legal guardianship." that requires a court order appointing you as "Guardian of the Person" [to make decisions regarding school, health care, etc." and if you want, also "Guardian of the Estate" if you want to make financial decision for the child - technically, even setting up a savings account for the children may take the second form of guardianship.

It will cost some money to do this and you really ought to use a lawyer to guide you through the process - Judges are usually skeptical of self-help in legal proceedings involving children.  If you do want to use a lawyer, look in the yellow pages in your city under Attorneys - Family Law.

Good luck to you