What ended up happening with this case? Did the kids go with Mom or stay with friend? I'm in a similar situation.

OP here. I appreciate your point, 23:01. We'll definitely need to consult an attorney before doing this.

OP, I think your offer of assistance was coming from a place of kindness, and you should be commended for that. The only thing I would point out is that if the custody issues aren't yet resolved, the situation that you're proposing could work to mom's detriment. Because planning to leave your children with non-relatives for some indeterminiate time could be twisted and construed as mom being uninterested, unable to provide for them or otherwise less than fit, which could open a whole can of worms -- kids in foster care while the courts determine whether placement with you, the bio dad, or other relatives is in their best interest. Mom should clear this plan with a lawyer, should she be inclined to take you up on your offer.

OP - I'm sorry some have misintepreted and misconstrued my post as they have but appreciate the encouragement and information others have provided. We told the mother today that we'd be happy to keep the girls at least through the school year if they wanted. The mother was very appreciative and relieved to have this option. The mother is trying to make the best decisions for her family and we support her in that. We are giving her an option she can take or decline. She feels moving to another state is her best option and even if we disagreed (we don't), it's her choice, not ours. This isn't the first time she's had to start over with nothing and she's painfully aware of what it takes and she's expressed concern before about doing it with her girls in tow. She doesn't know when or what kind of job she'll get, she doesn't know what schedule she'll work, how much she'll earn or who will take care of the girls when she's not around. We can give her some peace of mind until she gets it worked out. This divorce is a very good thing and I have no doubt the mother will get back on her feet. We, too, understand struggle and we want to help her and the girls as best we can. Thanks, again.

Anonymous wrote:

Actually, I'm not even sure OP has the best of intentions. I think OP feels like she knows what's best and that's the end of that. To dismiss objections that this might not be such a good idea with such arrogance is beyond the pale.

You people are off of your collective effin' rockers. It's arrogant of OP to disregard the "objections" of anonymous internet harpies who don't know anything about the situation or the people involved, yet still feel qualified to offer definitive advice about a really delicate, sensitive situation? Do any of you imbeciles make major life decisions base on the uninformed, unsolicited advice of strangers? I'd rather rely on a ouija boards, or a Magic 8 Ball.

(And by the way, it is beyond ironic that some internet busybody thinks the OP is arrogant because OP isn't immediately reconsidering what I'm sure is a difficult decision based on some anonymous uninformed advice. Isn't the height of arrogance your belief that OP should immediately recognize your brilliance and defer to your anonymous judgment? Good grief.)

Anyway, OP, this is not my field, but I think you need a power of attorney. Below is a link to a generic for - I'm sure there are state-specific requirements you should take into account, but it's a good place to start. And good for you, by the way - I have no idea what circumstances brought you to this point, but I applaud your willingness to take on the burden of two extra children. I hope if I was faced with a similar situation, I'd be willing to do the same (or have good enough friends who'd be willing to put my kids' interests above their own.) Good luck to you.

http://freelegalforms.uslegal.com/power-of-attorney/care-of-minor-child/

PP, I do believe your advice is about of the same value of your vaunted ouija boards and Magic 8 Balls.

OP, good luck to you! You have a good heart. I would go to your state's website on custody or your county website and find information about family court.

Actually, I'm not even sure OP has the best of intentions. I think OP feels like she knows what's best and that's the end of that. To dismiss objections that this might not be such a good idea with such arrogance is beyond the pale.

You people are off of your collective effin' rockers. It's arrogant of OP to disregard the "objections" of anonymous internet harpies who don't know anything about the situation or the people involved, yet still feel qualified to offer definitive advice about a really delicate, sensitive situation? Do any of you imbeciles make major life decisions base on the uninformed, unsolicited advice of strangers? I'd rather rely on a ouija boards, or a Magic 8 Ball.

(And by the way, it is beyond ironic that some internet busybody thinks the OP is arrogant because OP isn't immediately reconsidering what I'm sure is a difficult decision based on some anonymous uninformed advice. Isn't the height of arrogance your belief that OP should immediately recognize your brilliance and defer to your anonymous judgment? Good grief.)

Anyway, OP, this is not my field, but I think you need a power of attorney. Below is a link to a generic for - I'm sure there are state-specific requirements you should take into account, but it's a good place to start. And good for you, by the way - I have no idea what circumstances brought you to this point, but I applaud your willingness to take on the burden of two extra children. I hope if I was faced with a similar situation, I'd be willing to do the same (or have good enough friends who'd be willing to put my kids' interests above their own.) Good luck to you.

http://freelegalforms.uslegal.com/power-of-attorney/care-of-minor-child/

Anonymous wrote:
Not the PP you're talking to but I completely agree. I can't believe OP is so dismissive of the people speaking from experience here saying that it is a TERRIBLE idea. If there are mitigating issues that make the kids' parents unfit, then that is a different issue. The issue of temporary custody just so mom can get "on her feet," is terrible.

And OP says that mom is moving to be near family - so she has the hubris to think she can take better care of these kids than the kids' own family! Agree with the PP who says she hopes the mom in this story will get strong legal custody before giving up her kids to the OP.

Let's please keep additional responses in this thread limited to addressing the original request which was for information about how to obtain temporary guardianship. Opinions about whether or not temporary guardianship is a good idea are not responsive to the request. That is a decision that will be made by the children's parents.

When I have stepped into threads in this manner in the past, posters have frequently had questions about why I am doing it. Such questions are also not responsive to the topic of this thread and should be posted in the Website Feedback forum.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:No, the kids move with their mother (since you wrote the father is unlikely to want custody). I can't imagine anything more traumatic for young kids then their parents splitting up, moving to different states and just leaving them behind.

OP here - I know you mean well but you don't know what these kids have been through already. This wouldn't be the first, second or even the third time the kids have lived with us for an extended period of time - without their parents. This will just be the first time we'd be doing it officially. Without a legal relationship between us and the kids, we won't be able to make medical decisions for them and we will not have any standing with the school.

I don't want to engage in a discussion on whether this is something we should do. I'm looking for information on temporary guardianship and would appreciate responses to that alone. Thanks.

OP - it doesn't change my opinion. And I don't think there should have been a second or third time. It's not "helping" like you think it is. If the mom is capable of taking care of the children then that's the best place for the kids. I am sure you have the best of intentions but that doesn't mean you are making the best choice for the kids. If you want an outside opinion, there are plenty of therapists in this area that can assist.

Actually, I'm not even sure OP has the best of intentions. I think OP feels like she knows what's best and that's the end of that. To dismiss objections that this might not be such a good idea with such arrogance is beyond the pale.

Not the PP you're talking to but I completely agree. I can't believe OP is so dismissive of the people speaking from experience here saying that it is a TERRIBLE idea. If there are mitigating issues that make the kids' parents unfit, then that is a different issue. The issue of temporary custody just so mom can get "on her feet," is terrible.

And OP says that mom is moving to be near family - so she has the hubris to think she can take better care of these kids than the kids' own family! Agree with the PP who says she hopes the mom in this story will get strong legal custody before giving up her kids to the OP.

OP, I have heard of this being done. Kids staying with friends or family until the end of the school year. I would check with the county that you are in.