How to Get Guardianship of My Sister's Baby

[Aunt in Georgia]

My question involves guardianship in the State of: Georgia
My sister just had a baby and she will not name a father, but she say she is not capable of keeping the child. My sister gets SSI check and foodstamps. She wants me the aunt of the baby to take her. How cani get legal guardianship and financial assistance for the baby?

[aardvarc]

To seek legal guardianship, you'll need to bring a case before the probate court. See this:
http://www.gaprobate.org/

Until that portion is complete, you won't be able to apply for benefits on behalf of the child.

[Dogmatique]

I'm surprised that she's able to obtain certain forms of assistance without naming a father - unless she's flat out lying?

[aardvarc]

I had the same thought, and figured that the assistance was just for her, or for her and previously existing children. But I agree, until there is a father named, the seeking of benefits AND guardianship will be substantially more complicated and time consuming (and if using the services of an attorney, that translates to more expensive).

[Dogmatique]

I had the same thought, and figured that the assistance was just for her, or for her and previously existing children. But I agree, until there is a father named, the seeking of benefits AND guardianship will be substantially more complicated and time consuming (and if using the services of an attorney, that translates to more expensive).

Agreed. And it's not that I'm accusing Mom of lying directly - it's just very common for a single parent to deliberately omit the name of a potential father.

I think a chat with a local attorney might be best for this OP, yes?