Child Custody Legal Process

Summary

In Pennsylvania, non-parents seeking custody must demonstrate significant involvement in the childs life and argue that it serves the childs best interests. Filing a petition in family court and proving your role in the childs life are crucial steps. Consider consulting a local attorney for guidance.

Full Conversation

I raised a little girl for a friend for the last *½ years. As a baby she spent almost every night at my house. Now as a toddler, she slept * nights at my house and * at her mom's, who works split shift as a bartender at a firehouse and doesn't get home till 3am. She never paid me anything but a total of maybe $*,*. She became part of my family. Now that she's in school, her mother took her from me and is having her bf, who's out on bail watch her instead of me and never communicated this with me. I would like to gain custody of her.
It sounds like a complex situation. In Pennsylvania, custody decisions prioritize the child's best interests. Here are some things to consider:
- Legal Standing: Determine if you have the legal standing to file for custody. This could be tricky since you're not a biological parent.
- Best Interest of the Child: Courts focus on factors like the child’s well-being, safety, and stability.
- Past Care: Your history of caring for the child may be relevant.
Would you like guidance on how to start the process of seeking legal standing or custody?
I've fed her, bathed her, taken her to Dr visits, included her in family vacations, she has a bedroom in my house, her own clothes and shoes, a bike, an outdoor playset, a playroom, etc.
It sounds like you've been a significant part of her life and care. To pursue custody, you'll need to consider pursuing legal standing as a non-parent in Pennsylvania. This may involve demonstrating your role and relationship with the child. Would you like more information on how to begin this legal process?
Yes
To begin seeking custody as a non-parent in Pennsylvania, you will generally need to:
- File a Petition: Submit a petition in family court for custody or visitation rights.
- Demonstrate Standing: Prove your involvement and significant role in the child's life.
- Best Interests: Argue that being in your care serves the child's best interests.
Would you like help finding local legal assistance or resources to guide you further?
Yes
Case Rating: *
This seems like a potentially strong case to pursue legal custody given your involvement in the child's life. Would you like to be connected to local lawyers who can better assist you with your case? If so, could you please provide your phone number?
The mother is currently ignoring all my texts to see the child and brainwashing her to hate me
Case Rating: *
This appears to be a high-value case due to the significant role you've played in the child's life and the potential impact on her wellbeing. Would you like to be connected to local lawyers who can better assist you with your case? If so, could you please provide your phone number?
Shannon Cummins
Case Rating: *
This does seem like a significant case due to the depth of your involvement in the child's life and the potential impact on her wellbeing. Would you like to be connected to local lawyers who can better assist you with your case? If so, could you please provide your phone number?
*-*-*
It seems like you've already provided some of the information needed for connecting you with local lawyers. Here's what I have so far:
- Name: Shannon Cummins
- Phone Number: *-*-*
Could you please provide your zipcode so I can proceed with assisting you further? Additionally, if you wish, you can provide your email address.
No thank you
Case Rating: *
It seems like you've already provided everything needed for a referral to a local lawyer. If you need any further legal information or assistance in the future, feel free to reach out. Take care!