My name is Stephanie, I have some questions about retaining guardianship of my brothers child. My brother (18 years old) and his girlfriend (16 years old) are expecting a child that will be born around May 2009. I know that their situation is illegal because he is 18 and she is 16 and I’m not sure how to handle this. Obviously I don’t want my brother to be incarcerated but the unborn child is my primary worry. Neither of them is competent in providing for this child. He doesn’t work, she hasn’t even completed her primary education and also doesn’t work. The 16 year old girlfriend lives with her 80 year old grandmother who has custody of her. Obviously there will be no one in the home who will be able to provide what this child needs to survive let alone prosper. I would like information on how I can gain guardianship/adoption. They will NOT give this child up with out a fight so I will need legal assistance. I’m assuming that they will need to be proven unfit?? What evidence is required to be considered unfit? Are the things that I have previously listed enough? At this point since the child inst born will I even have a case? I am 23 years old and reside in Missouri. I am technically “single” I will be getting married in Sept 2009. I have a stable job and have been in my field for 5 years I also own a small business for extra income. I have insurance. I have NO criminal record. I have good credit and no extensive debt (other that the usual car payment, rent, ect.) Since I’m technically “single” and 23 years old would I even have a chance to gain guardianship? I’m really not sure where to start. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
