Legal Answers

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. My grandchild has been living with me for several years. I don't know where the mother is.

It may be possible for you to obtain legal custody of your grandchild as either a de facto or third party custodian.........

2. How does the process start?

In order to get an order of custody, a petition for custody must be filed in the family court in the county in which the child resides of where there has been an earlier order of custody entered. An attorney can assist you in the process, or you can represent yourself (called pro se). Remember, there are costs incolved in submitting a petition to the court.

3. I have legal custody of my grandchild, and I'd like to move to another state. Can I?

This question is currently being researched. Come back for an answer soon.

The information on this website is provided by Minnesota Kinship Caregivers Association for informational purposes only and is intended to be used as a guide and not as a substitute for legal counsel. You should consult with an attorney familiar with your specific factual and legal situation.