Law

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1. 
   urthona

   It’s unclear from your query whether you wish to assign custody to another person (e.g., your daughter’s grandmother) permanently through a private adoption or guardianship, informally through a long-term child-rearing arrangement, or conditionally in the event of your death, incapacitation, or other occurrence.

   In general, parents (or a sole living birth parent or legal guardian) may transfer custody of their child to a person of their choice. State laws govern the family law issues involved, so the specific legal requirements will depend on which state you live in.

   Keep in mind that other people -- particularly an estranged birth parent, the estranged birth parent’s relatives, or a government child services agency -- may dispute your assignment of custody. To ensure that your wishes are fulfilled and everyone’s legal interests -- particularly those of your daughter -- are protected, consult with a local legal clinic or an attorney who specializes in family law. (Ask around for recommendations.) Your desired outcome is too important legally and emotionally to assume the risks involved in handling it on your own.

   Disclaimer: This post contains general legal information and should not be construed as legal advice to be applied to any specific factual situation. Each reader should consult a lawyer if you want a qualified professional’s assurance that this information, and your interpretation of it, is appropriate to your particular situation.

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   Posted by urthona on Thursday July 10, 2008 at 10:22 AM
   
   

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