Need advice on getting custody of my neice

[AuntBrenda]

Hi,

Long story short, my 13 year old niece has been moved from family member to member.  Her Mom is 52 and just married a guy 30 years younger than her.  They left Punky behind in Florida and moved to TN to persue his 'singing career.' 

They are both unemployed, both do prescription drugs and alcohol daily and are renting a room in a mobile home where there are parties going on all the time (Punky's mom...(my sister)....told me this herself.

They have no way to take care of her although they won't come right out and say they can't.  The new 'stepfather' wants to adopt Punky.  He just turned 22, has only known Punky and her mom for 3 months (before he and the mom got married).  He monitors all phone calls, per my sister's request, and none of us, including her daughter, Punky, gets to talk directly to her.  It's very frustrating.

They are saying she can stay with me, in Georgia, until they get on their feet.  My sister has had a bad prescription drug habit for years.  The whole family believes it is in Punky's best interest if she lives with me.  I agree.

School starts here August 5th and a legal guardian or the parent must register her and sign for her school transcripts. 

Does anyone know anything about this or can point me to a forum or someone who knows how I should approach trying to get permanent custody?

There is so much more to this story and I need help fast.

 

Thanks in advice,

AuntBrenda

[unknownjourney]

I am not from your area but where I live Courts tend to push for the parents to keep the kid.  The court around here makes it very hard to seperate kids from their parents.

SO my advice would be check with an attorney.