Help! My sister has just found herself in a very strange situation. Her closest friend was diagnosed a week ago with terminal brain cancer. Unfortunately before any preparations could be done, she lasped into a coma and it is unlikely that she will ever come out of it. When her friend had children, my sister was named God mother to both of them. The boy is now 18 and the girl is 15. The father disappeared 15 years ago. Now with the mother of the kids dying, my sister has been called to take care of the children. The older one is responsible and has made several mature decisions on his own concerning his mother's treatment. He has also asked that my sister take the 15 year old home with her when the mom dies. All members of the extended family, and the child are in agreement. What is necessary for her to get custody of a child and be granted permission to bring her home to california from ohio?
There is probably a will in place that gives guardianship to my sister, but, as there was no warning, we dont know where to find it.
For years the woman who is dying had told everyone that she expressly wanted my sister to take her children if anything happened to her. All of her co-workers, friends and distant relatives are aware of this. If no will can be found would this verbal knowledge be enough to grant custody of the girl to my sister? If not what would be the process?

