How Do You File for Custody of Someone Else’s Children in Pa?

Question by irishcrayon4: How do you file for custody of someone else’s children in pa?
I want to know how and if she has just cause. My friend has a niece (age 9), and 2 nephews (ages 5 & 4). Their parents are separated. Their father has been to rehab a few times for hard drugs and their mother was on drugs and we believe she still is. Their parents are no longer together. The father works out of town during the week and only sees them every other weekend. The mother only sees the kids one day a week and the other 5 they are at the moms friends house where they sleep on the floor because the lady has kids of her own. The mother has been to court a few times for her daughter missing too much school. The 5 year old has more cavities than a normal kid. The father has a very extent record which goes from fighting to alcohol related crimes to robbery, etc, etc.. The nine year old is walking around calling everyone a crack head. She knows what marijuana is and everything. Is this grounds for my friend to file? How would she go about it?

She is about to work for the state for daycare of her other nephew and is doing online school for dental assistant and her boyfriend/fiancee works in the local laborer’s union. They are in the process of trying to buy a house which has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths. Decent yard and pool. It is also close to the local schools.
Can I have some examples on how I could prove some of this? I know there are alot of forms to fill out that will show their criminal backrounds. Anything else?

Best answer:

Answer by mrsbates
she would have to get some type of solid proof that would show the father and mother are unfit to raise the kids. and they would evaluate ur friend as well. for example, is she married or single(engaged dosent count in court) does she have a steady job, how much she makes, her background(any legal issues). there are a lot of things courts look for before they take any rights from the biological parents.

Answer by Sarah
IF she can prove that they are not good parents and has reasonable cause why she think they woudl be in danger then yes. ie…on drugs, alcoholic, etc…You need a lawyer and ask them as well. I asked my father who is a lawyer and that is what he said.

Substance Abuse Treatment for Men | Rehab After Work | Havertown, PA (610) 924-6088
Does your husband struggle with substance abuse? http://rehabafterwork.com/index.html Rehab After Work offers substance abuse treatment programs that can hel…