Re: Custody of a non-biological child

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You're way ahead of youself.
The first thing you have to do is file a Petition or
Application to be appointed the child's legal guardian.
Notice must be given to all persons (i.e. biomom, biodad,
grandparents, etc) as required by your State's laws.

A hearing date is set. The persons noticed may appear &
contest the appointment of you, a non-blood relative, as the
child's legal guardian.

The burden of proof is on you to prove by the standard of
proof set by your State that taking cutody waay from the
child's natural parent(s) is in the best interests of the
child.

The child's say-so is not enough. The judge must follow your
State's laws and weigh all the factors set forth in the law.
being a designated payee is irrelevant to the custody
hearing.

On 2/17/09, Kristy wrote:
> I am seeking custody in Maryland of a 15 year old child, I
> have known the child since his birth. There is no blood
> relation between myself or my husband and the child. The
> childs mother is an alcoholic that is in an abusive
> marriage. I would like advice on what type and how many
> witnesses to take to a testimony hearing with me and the
> child. The child has been living in my home since June
and
> Social Security has appointed me his Designated Payee.
The
> brother of the child which will be 18 on March 1, 2009 has
> been living in my home since September 14, 2009. I have
> guardianship for school purposes of the child at this
> time. At 15 can this child just tell the judge that his
> home life was just too metally abusive, and that he would
> like to stay with my husband, myself and his brother.