My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Virginia
My mother has informed me that she no longer can take care of my sister, who is 16 years old. She signed a notary giving me temporary custody of my sister. I told her we need to also go through the court so that I can be granted custody, however my mother lefted and is no where to be found. I need to get custody as she lives with me, I need to be able to get involved with her school, take care of here medical needs and any other important things that may need a guardians attention. My sister does not want to be homeless, worry about food, clothing, or her safety. When I told her that our mother said she can no longer take care of her.
Our mother has been on and off with drugs and homeless; She has not been stable for the last 3 1/2 years. My only way of contacting my mom is through a cell phone that I pay and her last known address. I know a few of her friends.
This is not the first time she has done this. She is not good under pressure, so she tends to leave her kids with other adults. (I have witnesses who can attest to this). I am the next relative in line to take care of all my sisters needs as neither of her grandparents can provide for her and her father is descease. I have evidence to prove that my mother can no longer provide for my sister.
I have file a petition for custody for my sister. I have an appointment schedule to provide evidence of the case I want to in front of the judge. I want to know what I should do to show them I am capable of being her legal Guardian? I have done some research that indicates I would not need a lawyer? I want to know being her sister is it possible to be granted custody as I have the best interest for my sister well being? Who documents prove to show a good case?
So far this is what I have to show that I should be grant custody:
1.) She lives with me
2.) Notarize Temp custody form from our mother
3.) Lease agreement
4.) Paystubs
5.) School records
6.) Witness statments Notarize with contact information
7.) My sister can attest to her own where about with my mother for the past five years
8.) Bankstatment records
9.) Monthly expenses for my sister

