What do I need to do if my niece is going to live with myself and my husband this school year..?

Question

My niece is going to live with myself and my husband this school year she lives in another city about 6 hours from here to give you and idea. I know I need guardianship papers so I can enroll her in school since she's going to be living with me and not her Mother. I just don't know how to become her legal guardian without having to hire a lawyer and going to court or anything like that. Some people have told me to get her Mother to go to a public notary and sign some paper that says myself and my husband are going to be her legal guardians now. I don't know if thats accurate or not. Please help I need it!!!! Thanks!!!

Answer 1

I suggest calling your local social services.  I do know that you need to get a waiver for medical attention, meaning that the mother has to sign paperwork stating that you are authorized to sign for any medical care for the child in case the child should need surgery or life saving intervention.  I don't know if you will need to go to court for all of that are not since it varies from state to state.  

Answer 2

Have you tried calling the school and asking exactly what they need from you to enroll her?  If the school's office isn't open due to summer, the county school district maybe able to help you.  My neighbor did this a few years ago and all she needed was a notarized letter from the mother.  She needed this for the school and also for any medical care that her nephew needed.  

Answer 3

i like the 2nd girls idea  

Answer 4

she has to claim she is an unfit parent and yes you should go through court