I asked my aunt for help with my 4-year-old daughter while I was trying to get back on my feet. She lives in Florida, and I’m in New York. Things got rough, so I also asked her to help with my second daughter. She brought over some temporary guardianship papers for my second daughter, just like we did for the first one, and we got them notarized. But later, I found out she had tricked me into signing away my rights to my first daughter without realizing it. I feel so betrayed, and I don’t know what to do. Has anyone been through something like this?
Wow, that’s so awful. Did you have start and end dates on the guardianship forms? I always make sure there are clear dates when I temporarily send my kids to family.
Jonah said:
Wow, that’s so awful. Did you have start and end dates on the guardianship forms? I always make sure there are clear dates when I temporarily send my kids to family.
I didn’t think about that at the time. I trusted her completely and didn’t think she’d do something like this.
Jonah said:
Wow, that’s so awful. Did you have start and end dates on the guardianship forms? I always make sure there are clear dates when I temporarily send my kids to family.
What are start and end dates exactly? I’m not familiar with that.
@Orion
It’s basically specifying a time period for temporary guardianship. Like ‘until July 27.’ It ensures the arrangement has clear boundaries.
You need to hire a private investigator (PI) and find your aunt first. That’s the only way you’ll be able to serve her papers or take any legal action.
Serena said:
You need to hire a private investigator (PI) and find your aunt first. That’s the only way you’ll be able to serve her papers or take any legal action.
I haven’t even thought about a PI. Do you know how much they usually cost?
A lawyer is essential here. Have you filed a police report yet? That might help track her down and start the process.
Cruz said:
A lawyer is essential here. Have you filed a police report yet? That might help track her down and start the process.
I haven’t filed a report yet. Do you think that will work even if she’s in Florida and I’m in New York?
Cruz said:
A lawyer is essential here. Have you filed a police report yet? That might help track her down and start the process.
Yes, filing a report is a good step. Even across states, it establishes a record that you’re trying to resolve this legally.
The paperwork is key here. Do you have any proof of what you were agreeing to? Like texts or emails?
Gabrielle said:
The paperwork is key here. Do you have any proof of what you were agreeing to? Like texts or emails?
I do have texts where we were only discussing temporary guardianship for my second daughter. Nothing about signing away my rights.
Gabrielle said:
The paperwork is key here. Do you have any proof of what you were agreeing to? Like texts or emails?
That’s good to have. Keep all your evidence safe. It’ll help a lot if you go to court.
You’ll need a lawyer in Florida since that’s where your daughter is. Family law is usually governed by the child’s state of residence.
Sloan said:
You’ll need a lawyer in Florida since that’s where your daughter is. Family law is usually governed by the child’s state of residence.
Thanks for clarifying. I wasn’t sure if I needed one in New York or Florida.
Sloan said:
You’ll need a lawyer in Florida since that’s where your daughter is. Family law is usually governed by the child’s state of residence.
Yeah, Florida laws will apply here. It sucks, but that’s usually how it works.