
In order to obtain temporary custody, a person must be over the age of 18 years old or an emancipated minor, be an extended family member or stepparent, and have physical custody of the child in question.

Without some form of official designation, an extended relative would most likely be unable to fulfill these roles for a minor child under his or her care. Alternatively, signing a child up for school activities or enrolling him or her in school itself usually requires parental oversight and consent. These types of issues tend to crop up in situations where a child requires medical care and a parent or guardian must consent to treatment. While these arrangements may start out as informal, some families may want to consider making the arrangement official, as this gives the guardian in question legal authority over the child.

There are a wide range of circumstances under which a child could find him or herself in the care of an extended family member, like a grandparent, aunt or uncle, or stepparent. Can Extended Family Members Request Temporary Custody of a Child?
