Aunt wanting custody -- North Carolina

[shanonrhlp]

I have a neice and 2 nephews who are now living with their great aunt. We have been wanting to keep them on the weekends with no luck. My sister the mom of the children has died and the local child services has revoked the rights of the dad. Do I have the right to go for custody of the children? And the great aunt only has gaurdianship of the children. The kids have only really known our family and was pushed into living with the great aunt without even consulting me or my brother. So do we have the right to go after custody if so what do we need todo first. thank you from NC

[Lexus]

I think this is a case of Foster parenting. If yes I would like to say that many classes and tests are required by the government for someone to become a foster parent. To be accepted into the foster care program of your state, foster-parenting training classes as well as certifications are needed. Relatives of foster children can become their foster parents as long as they meet the state's criteria for becoming one.

[Friend In Court]

Originally Posted by shanonrhlp I have a neice and 2 nephews who are now living with their great aunt. we have been wanting to keep them on the weekends with no luck. My sister the mom of the children has died and the local child services has revoked the rights of the dad. do I have the right to go for custody of the children? and the great aunt only has gaurdianship of the children. the kids have only really known our family and was pushed into living with the great aunt without even consulting me or my brother. so do we have the right to go after custody if so what do we need todo first. thank you from nc

If you have a well established relationship with the children, it makes sense for you to have custody of them. With the mother deceased and the father's rights terminated, as family member you have as much right as any other close family member for custody.

What you will need to do is intitute a petition for custody of the children. It would be best that you be represented by an experienced family law attorney who can best prepare a successful petition for you.